SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California is abandoning an algebra requirement for eighth graders, a move already adopted by most states.
The San Jose Mercury News says the State Board of Education decided last month to shift away from a 15-year policy of expecting eighth-graders to take Algebra I.
Students will be allowed to take Algebra I or an alternate course that includes some algebra.
New state standardized tests will focus on the alternate course.
Most states have already adopted what is called the Common Core curriculum.
