By Ben Cooper ’16

As final exams approach, Montgomery County is still facing a significant problem with failing exam scores in core math classes. According to new data reported by The Washington Post, 65 percent of those taking the first semester Algebra 1 exam in high school failed, as well as 62 percent in Geometry, 63 percent in Algebra 2, and 47 percent in Pre-Calculus.

The exam failure rates have been a constant dilemma for Montgomery County over the past two years; one that still has no definite solution. Just last June, school officials tried adding 15 percent to all Algebra 1 exam scores, yet nearly two out of three high school students still did not pass. At this point, the Board of Education has written a letter to interim superintendent Larry Bowers, in hopes of exempting students from finals in five courses, including math courses, that require a county exam. MCPS has acknowledged the letter, but will not make a decision until next year’s final exams.