SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is abandoning an algebra requirement for eighth graders, a move already adopted by most states.

The San Jose Mercury News (http://bit.ly/14LUt2r ) says the State Board of Education decided last month to shift away from a 15-year policy of expecting eighth-graders to take Algebra I.

Students will be allowed to take Algebra I or an alternate course that includes some algebra.

New state standardized tests will focus on the alternate course.

Most states have already adopted what is called the Common Core curriculum.

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Information from: San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News, http://www.mercurynews.com