High School Mathematics: State-Level Curriculum Standards and Graduation Requirements

Abstract

The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has prompted increased activity at the state level in the specification of mathematics curriculum learning goals in the United States. As a direct result of NCLB, 39 states have replaced or revised their mathematics curriculum standards since 2002 (Reys, 2006). Along with the NCLB requirements focusing on curriculum, states have also increased graduation requirements in order to engage their students in more mathematics throughout their secondary education. The information in this report illustrates that states vary with respect to required mathematics credit hours and courses for graduation.