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Eighth Grade + Algebra + $3-Billion |
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BlogSoup
By Deb Kollars
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced today it will take $3.1 billion for California public schools to be able to teach all eighth-graders Algebra 1.
O’Connell outlined his "Algebra 1 Success Initiative" at a news conference tinged in politics this morning. He called on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger - who pushed for the eighth-grade algebra requirement last month, against O’Connell’s wishes - to come up with the state money to pay for it. The plan calls for reduced class sizes, more instructional time, summer and after-school programs, teacher training and a host of other programs.
The state is in a fiscal crisis and budget stalemate. When asked where the money would come from, O’Connell shrugged, saying the algebra mandate was something "the governor foisted upon us."
Schwarzenegger did not respond to the specific call for $3.1 billion. Instead, he issued a short statement saying he looked forward to "working with the education community" to determine the best way to meet the new algebra goal.
O’Connell’s move on today followed an unexpected July 9 decision by the state Board of Education to require that all eighth-graders be tested in Algebra 1 within three years. Schwarzenegger had urged the education board members to make the decision, which surprised educators up and down the state. At the time, Schwarzenegger pledged in a letter he would provide necessary resources to get the massive job done. Secretary of Education David Long told state board members before they voted that it would cost "billions."
Algebra is required for high school graduation in California. The state’s standards call for it to be taught in eighth grade, but many educators have said not all students are ready to study it at that point.
About half of the state’s eighth-graders now take Algebra 1.
(This story was published first in the Sacramento Bee. For more Sacrament Bee news and views: www.SacBee.com ) ◘
CityWatch
Vol 6 Issue 66
Pub: August 15, 2008
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