Representative Scott Cepicky Proposes a Solution to Students Avoiding Algebra I

Representative Scott Cepicky speaking on the House floor (Photo by Cepicky)

State Representative Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, believes a simple change in math policy could make a big difference in Tennessee’s future job market.

Under the current policy, seventh grade students who demonstrate proficiency in math may take Algebra I in eighth grade instead of eighth grade math. Cepicky’s House Bill 2276 would change that by requiring seventh graders who “exceed expectations” on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) to take Algebra I the following year.

Some studies have found that enrolling in the subject in the eighth grade boots enrollment in future advanced math classes and improves scores in them.

“We want these kids who are excelling in mathematics to be pushed to become the best mathematicians they can in the state of Tennessee and, for that matter, in our country. So that the next group of engineers, the next group of scientists, the next group of people that are dealing in the sciences are being produced right here in Tennessee with our own kids,” said Cepicky.

Advancing in Both Chambers

The bill advanced unanimously from the House Education Instruction Subcommittee, which Cepicky chairs, earlier this month. The Senate’s version of the bill also advanced unanimously from that chamber’s Education Committee.

The legislation would allow parents to opt their child out of the higher math class if they didn’t believe the child was ready, and it requires the state to establish a pathway for teachers who currently hold an endorsement to teach eighth-grade math to also teach Algebra I.

Cepicky tells the Tennessee Firefly that it’s vitally important to make this change now because the state’s job market has a demand for employees with math skills.

“Engineering, math, science, those types of fields, we have a deficit of people going through those in higher education,” said Cepicky. “I think what this bill signifies is, ok, we have a good education system now from where we were eight years ago, right? But how do we become great? And how we become great is pushing these kids the best we can to get them to be the best student they can, so they can choose what they want to do in life.”