rigorous+course

The Florida Legislature has sent a bill to Governor Charlie Crist that requires students to take geometry, Algebra II, biology, chemistry or physics plus one equally rigorous science course in order to graduate. The number of credits -- four in math, three in science -- remains the same, but only Algebra I is now a specific requirement. High school math and science FCATs would be eliminated, replaced with end-of-course exams in algebra, geometry and biology. Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said the district has supported the bill because it moves Florida students in the right direction to be competitive internationally. But, he cautions: ``I think we ought to brace ourselves for a decrease in graduation rates as there is a natural adjusting to the requirements.'' Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter questioned whether it was the right move to require every student -- even those with career goals that would require other types of math and science -- to take those courses.


 * Is this bill a good thing for Florida students because, or is it a bad thing? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations. Write your answer on your own paper. Make sure you restate the question to begin your essay.

In addition to the four-point rubric, I will give you a separate grade on your sentence construction and punctuation. Use a variety of sentence structure, and make sure you punctuate correctly.**