ATLANTA (AP) -- Students will take more math and science and no longer choose between an emphasis on college-prep or job skills under new graduation requirements approved by the state Board of Education on Thursday.

Education officials say the new guidelines, which will go into effect for freshmen starting next year, are geared toward giving all students a strong grounding in core areas like reading and math while offering them flexibility in choosing elective classes.

``We are no longer setting high expectations for just some students,'' state school Superintendent Kathy Cox said. ``As a state, we are saying that all students can learn at a high level.''

The changes do away with Georgia's four-tiered graduation plan with two agendas for students hoping to attend college and two for those focusing on job skills.

All students will take four years of math and science. Now, all students are required to take a minimum of three years of science and students on vocational tracks may take only three years of math.

The plan also gives students more choice over which computer, fine arts and foreign language classes they take.

The school board approved the new requirements unanimously.