LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST 

SB 1354, Poochigian. Algebra instruction. 
Under existing law, the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, is required to offer courses in specified areas of study, including mathematics. Existing law also specifies that graduation from high school requires, among other things, completion of two courses of mathematics. 

This bill would specify that the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, include, as part of mathematics instruction, algebra. The bill would also specify that commencing with the 2003-04 school year, for high school graduation, at least one or a combination of the two required mathematics courses meet or exceed the rigor of content standards for Algebra I that are adopted by the State Board of Education. The requirements on school districts to ensure that the additional course of study requirements are carried out would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would express legislative intent that any modification to coursework required by the bill shall result in neither additional classes nor additional costs. 

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement, including the creation of a State Mandates Claims Fund to pay the costs of mandates that do not exceed $1,000,000 statewide and other procedures for claims whose statewide costs exceed $1,000,000. 

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.