Hermitage school administrators are proposing changes in the middle school and high school math and social studies programs to challenge students and align the curriculum with state standards.

While seventh- and eighth-grade students already get some algebra in their general math class, administrators believe they can handle a level of algebra that has been reserved for ninth-graders.

"We want to raise the bar for the students and offer pre-algebra for the vast majority of students coming into seventh- and eighth-grade," middle school Principal Bob Kwiat told the school board Monday.

The change also would have a practical benefit. Kwiat said one-fourth of the questions on the eight-grade Pennsylvania State System of Assessment test are about algebra.

"It looks like you're adding a little more challenging classes at the middle school, which is a positive," said Board Member Jim Lumpp.

Officials are looking to revamp the social studies program to conform with state standards that were released in the fall, said Carol Gurrera, director of administrative services.

The state standards are different from national standards the district has been following.

The state history standards are specific and based on chronology, while the national standards are based on themes and give educators more lee way, Ms. Gurrera said.

The seventh-grade history class has focused on Europe and needs to be expanded to encompass Asia and Africa.

The eight-grade American Cultures course would change to focus on 1787 to 1914, instead of covering the 16th to 18th centuries.

In each grade, the class also must cover civics and geography.

The Ancient Civilizations class offered to fifth- and sixth-graders needs to add lessons on Asia, Egypt and Africa.

The ninth-grade World Cultures course needs to incorporate more history, and the 10th-grade class will need to focus on European history, which Hermitage students had moved on from after seventh grade.

The standards also call for the 11th-grade class to focus on the years 1914 to the present, instead of generally the 20th century, and 12th-graders will have to start studying economic principles along with civics.

The changes are contingent on new textbook purchases, but could be implemented to start next year, and phased in by grade through 2006.