The New Hampshire House will vote on many critical issues this coming Wednesday, January 8th, when they open the 2014 legislative session. A noteworthy bill is HB 533, a bill that would increase the high-school graduation requirement from three math courses to four.
Although fundamental knowledge and skills in mathematics are essential, and many college majors require four years of math, it is not necessary for all students’ educational needs and goals; therefore, it is an inappropriate baseline graduation requirement. Also, it is a Granite State tradition for graduation requirements to be defined in rules, not statutes (see Ed 306.27). In addition, this bill would be an unfunded mandate, shifting costs to local school districts which is specifically against Part I Article 28-A of the New Hampshire Constitution.
HB 533 text: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2014/HB0533.html
Contact your legislator about HB 533 today. Encourage them to take a stand on constitutional principles and defend local control by voting NAY on Ought to Pass (OTP), and YEA on Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
For the most impact, briefly phone each of your Representatives about the bill. Emails, while not as effective, are helpful. Representatives are rarely contacted by constituents, so a handful of calls and emails can make a big difference.
Find your legislator: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/wml.aspx
