Math equals life skills

Regardless of your teen's interests or plans for the future, math will likely play a significant role. Although the value of algebra and geometry may not always seem readily apparent, skills such as reasoning and problem solving-which are the foundations of all mathematical studies-are what employers across the board look for in the people they hire.

That is why the New York State Board of Regents requires that all students pass three years of high school math as well as the Math A Regents to graduate. Beginning with this year's freshmen class, students will also need to score 65 or above on at least two of the five required Regents exams (one in English, one in math, two in social studies and one in science) to receive a local diploma. To receive a Regents or Regents Advanced diploma, students will need to score 65 or above on all five exams. For all other classes (current sophomores through seniors), a score of 55-64 will earn a student a local diploma, while a score of 65 or above will earn a student a Regents diploma.

In 2006 and 2007, incoming ninth graders will need to score 65 or better on one additional Regents exams each year. As of September 2008, incoming ninth-graders will have to score 65 or higher on all five required Regents exams. Plans are also underway at the state level to revamp the math Regents (exams are being created for high school algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry) Once the new tests are approved, students will be required to pass the algebra exam, instead of the math A exam, and the one-year course it accompanies to earn Regents diplomas. Those passing all three exams will earn advanced Regents diplomas. Unlike the math A and B Regents, which cover a year and a half of math studies, each of the new state tests will cover only one year's study. However, they will delve more deeply into the individual math subjects.

Math in the workplace

The National Science Foundation estimates that in 2010 as many as one fourth of all jobs will be based on math, science and technology. For this reason, those with advanced math skills, such as computer engineers and programmers, can expect greater opportunities and higher salaries than people with more limited skills. In 2002, median annual salaries of mathematicians-in fields such as computer science and software development, physics, engineering and operations research-were $76,470.

However, it's not just the "math and technology" professions that are changing and becoming more math, science and technology oriented. Many manufacturing jobs that once required more muscle than math are disappearing. Taking their place are new high-tech jobs. Some of these jobs require only a high school or two-year degree. This is true in New York State, which is actively seeking to transform its economy by attracting new industries, ranging from biotechnology to nanotechnology, and in other parts of the United States and world. Encouraging teens toward math Whether they love it, struggle with it or are just plain indifferent to it, there are some positive ways you can help encourage a math mindset in your teens. Here are some ideas to try:

• Give them the facts. There's not much wiggle room when it comes to meeting the state's math requirements-failing one level of mathematics can mean students will be repeating the course while their peers are moving on. It could also spell summer school or eat into time during their junior or senior year when they might have been able instead to take electives such as Advanced Placement courses or vocational training. Failing that one math course can even delay graduation.
   
• Help them consider their future. It is a rare 16-year-old who has the maturity to consider all that the future can hold. This is where some prodding from parents can be a great help. Teachers and guidance counselors recommend that all students stretch themselves and take as many math courses as they can, going even beyond the three-year requirement. This breadth of knowledge will help them become better problem-solvers in all facets of their lives, not just the workplace. It will also help keep the door open to future vocations or careers.
   
• Erase your math stereotypes. Sadly, the image of the math nerd is still alive in our culture. Even if math was a subject you thought was uncool or struggled with while in school, your current stance on the subject can encourage your teens. This is especially important with teen daughters, who might be interested in math and science, but buy into the still prevalent idea that math is just for guys. For more information on how to support girls in learning math, log on to http://www.girlsgotech.org/girls_go_tech.html.

Graduation requirements and special needs students

For certain students with disabilities who enter grade nine prior to September 2010 and who fail the math A exam, the requirements for a local diploma may be met by passing the Regents Competency Test in math or its equivalent. [top]