One for the Students

Sometimes all the attention to inaction overwhelms news of very important actions. With all the clamor over last week’s non-progress on the state budget, you may have missed an important decision by the State Board of Education supporting high standards for student proficiency.
For years, the state has had a two-track system for proficiency in 8th grade math – one for Algebra 1 and one for General Math, which tests 6th and 7th grade math standards. Governor Schwarzenegger and education reformers, including business, civil rights groups, and higher education, advocated a single standard of Algebra 1, phased in over three years, to set high expectations, eliminate an invidious two-track system, and ensure students were on track to have skills they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce.