February 14, 2022

MnSTA Member “Action Alert”

RE: Legislative Changes to Graduation Requirements

Hello MnSTA members and science education stakeholders,

The Advocacy Committee of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, (MnSTA), is altering you concerning legislation proposing to change the science graduation requirements. The governor’s education bill (HF 1269, SF 1311) is proposing to eliminate the course requirements, effective as soon as it passes. The specific change is:

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 120B.024, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. Graduation requirements.

(a) Students beginning 9th grade in the 2011-2012 school year and later must successfully complete the following high school level credits for graduation:

(4) (3) three credits of science, including at least one credit of biology, one credit of

chemistry or physics, and one elective credit of science. The combination of credits under this clause must be sufficient to satisfy (i) all of the academic standards in either chemistry or physics and (ii) all other academic standards in science sufficient to satisfy the earth and space science standards, biology and life science standards, and physical science standards in either physics or chemistry;

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This change would produce inconsistencies between schools and inequities for students. It would erode the coherent system of science standards, instructional practices, similar curricula, and licensure requirements.

The proposed change in Graduation Requirements language outlined in HF 1269 will effectively remove these assurances and create even more ambiguity and inconsistencies that will lead to inequitable access for our students. Science is unique and requires the approved preparation program, licensure and courses taught to be in alignment to best serve our students. The proposed language in HF1269 would allow for standards to be placed in any course, remove alignment with licensure and teacher preparation programs, and remove any statutory oversight of the content that students have access to in their districts.  Minnesota students deserve our very best in terms of equitable access, teacher preparation and content expertise, consistency and best practices. 

The MnSTA board instead advocates for the following change in graduation requirements:

Students beginning 9th grade beginning in the 2011-2012 2024-25 school year and later must successfully complete the following high school level credits for graduation: 

(4) three credits of science, including at least one credit of biology, one credit of chemistry or physics, and one elective credit of science credit in earth and space science. The combination of credits under this clause must be sufficient to satisfy (i) all of the academic standards in either chemistry or physics and (ii) all other academic standards in science.

This language is more consistent with the 2019 science standards and will better prepare students for further education and future careers.

We encourage you to follow the progress of these bills and advocate with your elected officials to support strong science graduation requirements. Please feel free to use the information in this email to write your own letter of support.