Gifted eighth-graders taking high school math classes this year will have their work count toward graduation through waivers the state Board of Education approved Thursday.

The state already permits middle school students to take high school courses and school districts may count students' work in these classes toward graduation requirements. But waivers were needed this year because of the new curriculum and graduation rules.

The waivers benefit high-achieving students in 21 school systems, including Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties. In Cherokee, the waivers also help some seventh-graders.

"This situation was caused by a one-two punch," said Sue Snow, an associate superintendent with the state Education Department. "We have more rigorous math standards and the new graduation rule. We don't want to penalize students for the work they've done but they must be ready to meet the new requirements."

The state revamped its curriculum in response to criticism that the standards were too weak. Traditional math courses, such as algebra and geometry, are being replaced with classes such as Math 1 and Math 2, which integrate multiple math concepts into single courses.

The state is implementing the new math curriculum one school year and one grade at a time: sixth grade in 2005-06; seventh grade in 2006-07; eighth grade in 2007-08; ninth grade in 2008-09, etc.

This phase-in caused a problem for school systems that allow advanced middle school students to earn high school math credit.

The old high school math classes were the only courses available this year. Some school leaders didn't want to deny students the chance to do advanced work, so hundreds of middle school students are taking high school algebra and geometry even though those classes are being phased out.

But the graduation rule that kicks in with this year's eighth-graders requires them to take the new math classes. Without the waivers, some students' work wouldn't count toward graduation.

Requests won't be needed again because the new high school math classes will be offered next year, Snow said.

Several school leaders requested the waivers.

"This is something our parents wanted," said Vonzia Phillips, director of middle schools for DeKalb.

The waivers will allow some DeKalb students to take the old math classes through high school. That plan means students can complete their math requirements by the end of 10th grade and take college-level math during their last two years of high school, Phillips said.

Some students in Cherokee and Fulton also will have this option.

Still, students must learn the material taught in the new math classes, Snow said. Lessons from the new classes will be covered on the Georgia High School Graduation Tests students must pass to earn a diploma.

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MATH WAIVERS

The state Board of Education approved waivers clearing the way for 21 school districts to give middle school students graduation credit for high school math classes they are taking this year. Here are the local districts getting the waivers and the number of students who could benefit from them.

School system....Students

Cherokee..............503

Clayton...............173

DeKalb..............1,113

Fulton................631

Hall..................500

Henry...................4

Source: Georgia Department of Education