Early morning meetings are often interesting and almost never dull. The SOQ Subcommittee that met on Tuesday at 7:30 was no exception. The majority of the meeting concerned the Governor\u2019s diploma bill HB 1061, and it was well attended by education and administration representatives, including the State Superintendent and the Secretary of Education. The explanation of the bill, as you can imagine, was somewhat involved and prompted a number of questions from the subcommittee members. Several legislators were particularly concerned over the language in the bill that states,\u201d The advanced studies diploma shall be the recommended diploma.\u201d After much discussion, it was agreed that an amendment would be designed to make it clear that the advanced diploma is envisioned to be for students on a baccalaureate track and to attempt language that will address some concerns that a standard diploma might appear to be sub-standard. Other concerns addressed were related to additional requirements, reduced electives and a time issue for students; however, after assurances from Dr. Wright, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill to the full committee, with the understanding that the anticipated amendment is agreeable to members. The full House Education Committee will consider HB 1061 on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The subcommittee agreed to carry over the \u201cAlgebra readiness\u201d bill HB 469, brought forward by a math teacher because of the lack of basic math skills displayed by many of his Algebra students. The bill would require that students be tested in basic math before being placed in a non-remedial algebra class. Although the members decided to carry the bill over, they expressed concern over what they heard from the math teacher from Henrico and the patron of the bill regarding the lack of basic math skills and assured the audience that they would re-visit the issue next year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Early morning meetings are often interesting and almost never dull. The SOQ Subcommittee that met on Tuesday at 7:30 was no exception. The majority of the meeting concerned the Governor\u2019s diploma bill HB 1061, and it was well attended by education and administration representatives, including the State Superintendent and the Secretary of Education. The explanation … <\/p>\n