Report of Action
Friday, June 25, 2004
Mathematics Subject Matter Committee Members Present
Norma Baker, Chair
Charles Munger, Vice Chair
Jackie Goldberg
Wendy Levine
Stan Metzenberg
Richard Wagoner
California Department of Education Staff Present
Tom Adams, Division Director, CFIR
Don Kairott, Administrator, CFIR
Mary Sprague, Consultant, CFIR
Christine Bridges, Analyst, CFIR
Discussion of Algebra Readiness and Mathematics Intervention Programs
Subject Matter Committee (SMC) Chair Baker called the Mathematics SMC meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The committee reviewed the Mathematics Framework development timeline.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
February 2004 |
Draft Framework approved by CC for field review (except for criteria and Appendix E) |
June 15, 25, 29 and July 8, 9, 2004 |
Mathematics SMC meetings to discuss Chapter 10 and Appendix E |
July 21, 2004 |
CC meeting - approve Chapter 10 and Appendix E for field review |
August 10-October 12, 2004 |
Framework Field Review |
September 29-30 and October 1, 2004 |
CC meeting – discuss suggested changes from Commissioners |
October 27, 2004 |
Mathematics SMC telephone conference meeting |
December 2-3, 2004 |
CC meeting - examines new draft Framework |
January 26-28, 2005 |
CC meeting - holds hearings and takes action on draft Framework |
February 2005 |
Framework to SBE as an information memo item |
March 2005 |
State Board holds public hearings and acts on Framework |
November 2007 |
State Board adopts K-8 instructional materials for mathematics |
Chair Baker mentioned the importance of holding to this timeline.
The committee discussed how to define an algebra readiness program in the Mathematics Framework. They discussed:
- Overall approach of an algebra readiness program, and also,
- Specific standards to be addressed in an algebra readiness program.
The committee considered 4 algebra readiness proposals:
- Appendix E submitted by Vik Hovsepian (draft dated May 2004)
- Appendix E submitted by Jackie Goldberg (draft dated June14, 2004)
- Basic criteria for an algebra readiness course draft submitted by Dr. Milgram and Dr. Wu
- Appendix E in the April 2004 draft Mathematics Framework
Commissioners had a full discussion of the various proposals and agreed to develop a new working draft for algebra readiness that includes:
- The standards chart for selected standards from page 107 of the 1999 Mathematics Framework. This chart would list the specific mathematical reasoning standards for each grade.
- Introductory writing from the beginning of Appendix E in the April 2004 draft Mathematics Framework (this language was similar to some language in the Vik Hovsepian and Jackie Goldberg drafts).
- Addition of an explanation about division example, from page 2 of the Milgram/Wu draft, along with a note to explain this is an “adult discussion” not an example of student work.
- Expanded discussion about mathematical reasoning in the working draft.
Chair Baker suggested that they move to a discussion of the specific standards using the algebra readiness matrix as a guide. They discussed the standards through grade 7 and agreed to continue the discussion at their meeting in Sacramento on June 29, 2004.
Public Comment/Other Matters
Sara Munshin, California Mathematics Council. Ms. Munshin encouraged the committee to include an explanation regarding the mathematical reasoning standards and to address the difference between exercises and problems.
Maria Stevens requested that the mathematical reasoning standards be embedded.
Cathy Barkett, Houghton Mifflin, requested the document include an explanation of why some standards are not included in an algebra readiness program (e.g., it is covered in another grade, or it is too confusing for at risk students, etc.). She also alleged that Dr. Milgram and Vik Hovsepian may be currently working with a publisher to develop mathematics materials and that the Commission should be aware of this possibility.
Chair Baker adjourned the Mathematics SMC meeting at about 5:20 p.m.
