Health and technology teachers can expect a drop in students signed up for their classes, as these staples of high school get removed from graduation requirements throughout the state.

Legislators ratified House Bill 3 June 19, and then it went through Governor Rick Perry  and the State Board of Education (SBOE). The bill took effect Sep. 1.

Whereas the 4×4 plan limited the amount of elective space in a schedule, HB 3 allows a student to bypass the once-mandatory classes he/she has no interest in.

 “I don’t think they [the state board] realized the importance of these classes,” Technology teacher Jennifer Roberts said. “They think that all students know how to use a computer.”

 Mrs. Roberts believes technology class helps students prepare for college and the work force as much as the core classes required every year.

“It makes me feel like the state board doesn’t see the value of these classes,” Mrs. Roberts said. “I’ve had students come back to visit me, and say BCIS was the most useful class they took in high school.”

Counselors begin assigning schedules during May before the change in requirements, and electives were quick to fill up, making it difficult for anyone to drop a health or technology class.

“Right now, students need to stay put. It will be good for them to have those skills to know,” Counselor Dana Railsback said. “In this day and age, taking out technology credits is going to limit students.”