Bill Text: CA SR60 | 2013-2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Relative to mathematics misplacement
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-08-25 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 35. Noes 0. Page 4807.) [SR60 Detail]
Download: California-2013-SR60-Enrolled.html
BILL NUMBER: SR 60 ENROLLED
BILL TEXT
ADOPTED IN SENATE AUGUST 25, 2014
ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY FEBRUARY 19, 1950
INTRODUCED BY Senators Mitchell, Beall, Hancock, Hill, and Jackson
AUGUST 19, 2014
Relative to mathematics misplacement
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
HOUSE OR SENATE RESOLUTIONS DO NOT CONTAIN A DIGEST
WHEREAS, Pupil achievement in mathematics is important to prepare
pupils for college and their future careers, especially those careers
in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM); and
WHEREAS, A pupil's 9th grade math course placement is a crucial
crossroad for future educational success. Misplacement in the
sequence of mathematics courses creates a number of barriers and
results in pupils being less competitive for college admission; and
WHEREAS, The most egregious examples of mathematics misplacement
often occur with successful pupils and, disproportionately, with
successful pupils of color. These successful pupils of
underrepresented populations are achieving a "B" grade or better, or
are testing at proficient or even advanced proficiency on state
assessments, but are, nevertheless, held back to repeat 8th grade
mathematics coursework rather than advancing to the next course in
the recommended mathematics course sequence; and
WHEREAS, Mathematics misplacement can not only have far-reaching
impacts on a pupil's confidence, general knowledge of mathematical
concepts, and high school experience, but it can also impact the
college and career opportunities available to that pupil; and
WHEREAS, Many incoming freshman high school pupils, particularly
pupils of color, are affected by mathematics misplacement; and
WHEREAS, New research shows that it is less common for pupils of
color, even high-achieving pupils of color, to enroll in 12th-grade
calculus compared to their peers; and
WHEREAS, All pupils, regardless of race or ethnic background,
deserve an equal chance to advance in mathematics; and
WHEREAS, With the shift towards implementation of increasingly
complex mathematics standards, it is particularly important that all
pupils have a high-quality mathematics program that meets the goals
and expectations of these standards; and
WHEREAS, With these increasingly complex mathematics standards, it
is crucial for teachers and guidance personnel to advise pupils and
parents about the importance of accurate course placement and its
impact on future college eligibility so that a pupil can take each of
the courses in the mathematics sequence; and
WHEREAS, California faces a looming shortage of college-educated
workers in an increasingly competitive global economy; and
WHEREAS, Mathematics misplacement must be addressed to ensure the
success of all students; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That local
school boards are asked to develop, adopt, and monitor a fair,
objective, and transparent mathematics placement policy; and be it
further
Resolved, That such a policy should do at least all of the
following:
(a) Systematically take multiple objective measures into
consideration, such as diagnostic placement tests, statewide
assessments, pupil grades, and pupil work.
(b) Include multiple progress check points throughout the academic
year to permit reevaluation of progress.
(c) Require periodic examination of pupil placement data to ensure
that there is no disproportionate impact in the course placement of
pupils by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
(d) Be readily available to pupils and parents, and offer clear
recourse for pupils and parents who question placement decisions.
