Math Subtracted from Regents

Inside March 11, 2003's Issue

-News-

Board of Regents subtracts math section after trial runs

By Virginia Thompson
Staff Writer

During the past several months there has been much discussion concerning the possible addition of a math portion to the Regents' Test. After much deliberation of the matter the Board of Regents has put the addition of a math section on hold for now.

As stated in the Georgia Highlands College catalog, all students enrolled in transfer degree programs must take and pass the Regents' Test as a requirement for graduation. In addition, students must attempt it during or before the semester following the completion of 30 semester hours.

If the Regents' Test is not passed by the time the student has completed 45 semester hours, mandatory remedial courses will be assigned until the test is successfully passed.

According to Lanelle Daniel, associate professor of English and English Coordinator, a shift in the program occurred last year when the Board of Regents decided that the addition of a math portion to the exam would help in holding University System of Georgia schools more accountable.

After much formulating and testing, the Board approved a trial math module. They gave it a voluntary test run last fall. Among those volunteering to take the amended exam were some of Daniel's students.

She stated that those who took the test offered a variety of mixed emotions after it was over. Students who had recently taken math courses found the questions appropriate to their current level of knowledge and math skill.

However, students who had not had a math course in a while, found the questions very challenging and some found them impossible to do.

Daniel said that the program would have been implemented during the upcoming fall school year but that now it is unclear if it will ever be put into action.

Daniel suspects that the Board of Regents is trying to consider all options concerning the educational development and opportunity for all students within the University System of Georgia and that the decision will ultimately be in the best interests of the students.