Beginning in 2003, Florida’s public universities will require that all incoming freshmen have taken 19 academic courses in high school – four more than are required now. To fit in all the extra work, students may have to give up elective courses in the arts, computers, vocational studies and ROTC. The requirement has arts teachers and guidance counselors worried that the focus on academics threatens the continued success of everything from high school marching bands to popular magnet high schools. – St. Petersburg Times