New rule would make math certification easier for teachers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Board of Education has adopted a new rule that would make it easier for middle school math teachers to get certified.

The Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/1JNV3xT ) reports the board voted 9-0 Monday to allow teachers to take an "intermediate test" if they don't teach higher-level courses such as calculus. Teachers could teach Algebra I and II and geometry without having to take the high school math certification test.

The newspaper says nearly half of teachers who take the current test fail. Department of Education testing director Abby Javurek-Humig says school districts have asked the state to make a change over concerns about being able to offer enough classes.