The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has announced its full support to urge the State Board of Education (SBOE) to ensure that Algebra II is included in all endorsement tracks for high school education across Texas.

The decision to support Algebra II as a requirement for Texas public schools came after a lengthy and thorough review by the Hispanic Chamber's Board of Directors.

"We believe Algebra II in all Texas public schools is critical to the many business sectors that impact our evolving economy," the Chamber said in a press release.

Algebra II has shown to be a determining factor for automatic college admission. Therefore, for Hispanic and minority students to be able to compete effectively, Algebra II must be a fundamental component of their high school education in Texas. Algebra II is a proven indicator of college success and a key component of college readiness tests such as the SAT and ACT.

"We support including Algebra II as a graduation requirement for all endorsement tracks to ensure that all students have the best available options for college education and career opportunities upon graduation," said Ramiro Cavazos, President & CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber. "Algebra II is critical as it is a gateway course for college readiness and it is a key component in preparing students with critical thinking skills for postsecondary workforce options."

The Hispanic Chamber believes strongly that eliminating Algebra II from High School curriculum would greatly limit the capacity of minorities and all children to achieve their full academic potential. Texas parents should not settle for anything less for their children.

Since 1929, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, America's first Hispanic Chamber, has represented the interests of small business owners from all backgrounds in San Antonio who have needed a strong voice to have an equal share of the American dream. The Hispanic Chamber runs the largest STEM Expo in San Antonio. The STEM Expo, called CORE4, helps more than 3,000 inner-city, low-income middle school students learn about careers in math, science, engineering and technology fields.

(For more information about the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, click HERE.)

(Edited from press release.)