State Ed Board to weigh algebra tests for eighth graders

By Deb Kollars - dkollars@sacbee.com

Published 7:12 pm PDT Tuesday, July 8, 2008

An algebra war is breaking out in the top levels of California government that could cause shockwaves in middle schools across the state.

On Tuesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote to the president of the state Board of Education urging that every eighth-grader in the state be tested in Algebra 1.

If the board agrees Wednesday, it would mark a huge shift for California middle schools.

For several years, the state has been moving toward the challenging goal of having eighth-graders study and pass first-year algebra. Currently, 52 percent of eighth-graders take Algebra 1, up from 34 percent five years ago. The majority of the remaining eighth-graders are struggling to master basic sixth- and seventh-grade mathematics.

In a separate letter to county and district superintendents across California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell warned Tuesday that making algebra a requirement for all eighth-graders would have dire consequences if done too quickly and without adequate teaching resources. He said it probably would lead to penalties for middle schools under the federal No Child Left Behind regulations. He urged educators to weigh in on the debate and voice their concerns.

The issue is expected to be heard Wednesday during a daylong board meeting at 1430 N. St., Sacramento.

The issue arose earlier this year when the U.S. Department of Education found California out of compliance in assessing its eighth grade students. The federal government noted that California's standards call for algebra in eighth grade, yet half the state's students are tested at a lower level.

The federal government told California either enforce the standard for all students by enrolling and testing them in Algebra 1 within three years, or develop a second test with at least some but not all Algebra 1 concepts as an alternative for students who did not complete a full Algebra 1 course.

The state chose to develop the new test, O'Connell said, to promote rigor while allowing flexibility for students who need more time to master the difficult subject. Many supporters of tough mathematics standards began calling the proposed second exam "algebra lite" and have been objecting strongly in recent months.

Schwarzenegger agreed, saying in his letter to state board President Ted Mitchell that he didn't want to promote "a two-track system: one for high achievers and one for those of whom we expect less."

The Sacramento Bee Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

View All Top Jobs

QUICK JOB SEARCH

Enter Keyword(s):
Enter a City:

Select a State:

Select a Category:

State Ed Board to weigh algebra tests for eighth graders

By Deb Kollars - dkollars@sacbee.com

Most Popular

More Stories in Breaking News

View All Top Jobs