Here is the problem I see with the extremely high math standards... Not all kids excel in the same areas. For example Math, since that seems to be a point of interest; some kids will not be able to complete the required math classes at such a high level, but could get the required credits in lower level math. That same child would be able to excel in writing and English, but we are going to hold them back from a brilliant college career in journalism and become a productive adult with a valued career. Instead that child is going to maybe get accepted at a vocational school and have a lackluster career doing something she doesn't really want to.
This child is my niece. She has worked ten times harder then all three of her older brothers in school, but she won't get a diploma because she just can't get the math.
Another example: my ex-wife. Probably one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. Graduated from MSU with an education degree and became an excellent middle school teacher, loved by her students and respected by her peers. Voted Teacher of the Year multiple times be the students. She has helped many students stay in school and many others excel. She teaches writing and reading and will be the first to admit she can't do math to save her life. She has never balanced a check book. Not that she can't do something that simple, just that she hated math, always took the minimal math classes to get by and swore she wouldn't do any after school.
It would have been sad for her not to become a teacher. That is exactly what would have happened if she had been made to take today’s high school math requirements... She would have never been admitted to MSU.
I see a solution being a high school diploma that is earned like a college diploma; with a major or an academic area of study.