In a move that's sure to stir debate, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is considering a major overhaul of its graduation requirements. The proposed changes would reduce the number of mandatory math courses, while adding new requirements for ethnic studies and personal finance education. What this really means is a significant shift in LBUSD's academic priorities, one that aims to better prepare students for the real-world challenges they'll face beyond the classroom.
Rethinking the Math Mandate
For years, LBUSD has required students to complete four years of math in order to graduate. But under the new plan, that number would be reduced to three. LBUSD officials argue that this change will allow more flexibility for students to explore other subjects and electives, while still ensuring they have a strong mathematical foundation.
"The bigger picture here is that we need to balance the demands of core academic subjects with the equally important need to develop well-rounded, financially literate citizens," said LBUSD Superintendent Jill Baker. "Algebra, geometry, and a third year of math will still provide students with the quantitative skills they'll need, while freeing up space in their schedules for new graduation requirements that speak to the realities of modern life."
Elevating Ethnic Studies and Personal Finance
To fill the void left by the math requirement reduction, LBUSD plans to add two new mandatory courses: Ethnic Studies and Personal Finance. The Ethnic Studies curriculum will expose students to the histories, cultures, and experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups in the United States, with a particular focus on marginalized communities.
"Providing a robust Ethnic Studies education is crucial for empowering our students and helping them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them," said school board member Maria Garcia. "By centering the narratives of underrepresented groups, we're giving our young people the tools to think critically about systems of power and inequality."
The Personal Finance course, meanwhile, will equip students with practical money management skills, from budgeting and saving to investing and debt navigation. Research shows that strong financial literacy is linked to greater economic mobility and stability later in life.
A Balanced Approach to Prepare for the Future
While the proposed changes to LBUSD's graduation requirements are sure to be controversial, the district's leaders believe this new model strikes the right balance. By reducing the math mandate and adding Ethnic Studies and Personal Finance, they aim to equip students with both the academic foundations and the real-world skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
"We're not abandoning math by any means," assured Superintendent Baker. "But we also can't ignore the pressing need to cultivate financial literacy and cultural competence in our young people. This is about preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."