Doing the math matters

Getting into UC requires basic math. But there seems to be continual pressure by some in the K-12 establishment not to push math. That approach hasn't worked well for students. Just as was the case of a fad of teaching reading without getting into phonetics - which is now being reversed - the same is happening with regard to basic math.

The legislature recently passed, and the governor has signed, part of that reversal:

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST OF SB 1410

SB 1410, as introduced, Ochoa Bogh. Pupil instruction: curriculum frameworks: mathematics: algebra.

Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 1 to 6, inclusive, and grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include courses in mathematics. Existing law requires algebra to be included as part of the mathematics area of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, as provided. Existing law requires the Instructional Quality Commission to recommend, and the State Board of Education to adopt, curriculum frameworks, defined as outlines of the components of a given course of study designed to provide state direction to school districts in the provision of instructional programs, as provided.

This bill would require the state board, in adopting any revised mathematics curriculum framework on or after January 1, 2025, to include a requirement that grade 8 pupils be offered the opportunity to take an algebra course.

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Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 33547.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:

33547.5. Any revised mathematics curriculum framework adopted by the state board on or after January 1, 2025, shall include a requirement that grade 8 pupils be offered the opportunity to take an algebra course.

Source: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1410/id/2932690.

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Signing statement by the governor:

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

SEP 22, 2024

To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am signing Senate Bill 14 l 0, which requires the Instructional Quality Commission, when the mathematics curriculum framework is next revised, to consider including that students in eighth grade be offered the opportunity to take an Algebra I or Mathematics I course that is aligned to the content standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

The mathematics framework adopted by the State Board of Education in July of 2023 encourages California students to launch into high school mathematics (Algebra I or Mathematics I) before they reach ninth grade when they are ready to do so. This facilitates their access to more advanced courses in high school. This bill ensures that when the mathematics framework is next updated, the Instructional Quality Commission will again consider how students in eighth grade have the opportunity to take these important courses. 

Sincerely

Gavin Newsom

Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SB-1410-SIGNING-Message.pdf.