Local control takes another hit

The state rules again:

Despite criticism that they are setting the bar too high, the South Dakota Board of Education passed a new set of high school graduation rules Monday that make upper- level math and science classes mandatory.

Unless they get waivers from their schools, all students starting high school next year will have to take geometry and algebra II and chemistry or physics. The new rules also require, for the first time, a semester each of physical education and health, although students could satisfy the health half-credit in any grade 6-12.

While health advocates praised the changes, some teachers say not all students can handle advanced math and science courses.