Mathematics is important because it is a universal language that is used to interpret quantitative data.  In order to be successful and productive in a world that is changing at a pace unprecedented in history, students need to be mathematically literate.  Mathematics empowers people. Math principles, concepts, and skills enable individuals to make informed and accurate decisions.  Math enhances our ability to explore, conjecture, and reason logically. People use their knowledge of math to solve problems at the workplace and in the home.  Although two years of math are required for students graduating before 2009, it is recommended that students take three or four years of a sequential math program. Students graduating after 2008 need three math credits. Five or more credits of math are available for exceptional students. Math courses are full-year, one-credit courses with the exception of Visual Basic 1 and 2, which are semester courses earning one-half credit each.