Today, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) announced the launch of a new website that provides background and information about her comprehensive education bill package focused on math reform.
The newly created “Math Excellence” website outlines and highlights concerns voiced from education experts, professors and parents in response to the adoption of Common Core, California’s State Board of Education (SBE) approved Mathematics Framework that made Algebra I optional for 8th graders.
The site also details Senator Ochoa Bogh’s pivotal legislation aimed at strengthening math curriculum standards, bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education, and upholding the integrity of curriculum development processes.
The centerpiece of the package Senate Bill 1410, the Math Curriculum Bill, mandates the inclusion of Algebra I or Mathematics I course offerings for all 8th-grade students in the forthcoming mathematics framework revision.
Last year, the California State Board of Education adopted a revised mathematics curriculum framework that suggested Algebra I and Mathematics I be taught in 9th grade as opposed to 8th grade statewide. This guidance put students at risk of never reaching a high-level mathematics course, such as calculus, or pursuing a STEM/Mathematics-intensive major in college.
SB 1410 is designed to lay a solid foundation for higher-level math skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities essential for success in STEM fields.
Complementing this is Senate Bill 1411, the Instructional Quality Commission Bill, which facilitates the participation of higher education subject matter experts in K-12 curriculum development discussions. This bill ensures that K-12 education aligns seamlessly with college requirements, providing students with a clear and direct pathway to higher education and beyond.
Senate Bill 1412, The Conflict of Interest Bill, would codify the Title V California Code of Regulations Section 9514 related to prohibited communications, bringing curriculum development conflict of interest regulations for grades 9 through 12 curriculum development into parity with the regulations that are imposed for grades K-8.
SB 1411 and SB 1412 unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee and are in the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1410 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on April 24.