County schools stepping up courses to meet college requirements

By Cassandra Mickens

The Selma Times-Journal

Dallas County High School students may want to brush up on their algebra skills. Their collegiate hopes could depend on it.

The Dallas County School Board voted unanimously to alter DCHS’ math sequence to include Algebra Two – a course several colleges and universities require for admittance, said Superintendent Dr. Fannie Major McKenzie on Monday.

Beginning this academic school year, current freshmen earning standard diplomas will take three algebra courses – Algebra A, Algebra B and Algebra Two – and one geometry course. Students earning advanced diplomas are now required to take Algebra One, Geometry, Algebra Two with Trigonometry and Pre Calculus.

Previously students took two geometry courses. The geometry sequences were lumped into one course to accommodate the addition of Algebra Two, said Administrative Assistant Don Willingham.

Willingham said DCHS students who applied to UAB and Alabama A&M were informed they needed Algebra Two to gain admission. Willingham later added the course is needed to acquire scholarships.

“It’s one of those things we found out this year,” Willingham said. “So we’re making our adjustments.”

Current sophomores, juniors and seniors will be allowed transition options to incorporate the course into their curriculum, Willingham said.

The board agreed all students would receive counseling that will include emphasizing the importance of taking Algebra Two for college admittance.

In other business:

McKenzie announced her appointments to the Alabama Partnership for Children’s Board of Directors and the ACCESS Distance Learning Executive Board.

McKenzie reported the school system purchased three trucks for its maintenance and transportation departments. Administrative Assistant Freeman Waller hopes to buy two more trucks next year, saying the system will be “excellent shape” once those purchases occur.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security supplied the schools with public alert radios to be used in emergency situations.

The board unanimously voted to pay system membership dues for School Superintendents of Alabama.

The board unanimously approved to change the chief financial officer (CFO) title to chief school financial officer (CSFO). McKenzie says the change is the result of a state requirement.