Math and Science Matter
Organizations like the Transition Math Project and Washington State LASER
continue to provide access to high quality math and science tools and
learning opportunities for teachers, parents and students. And the
Partnership, along with 16 other labor and business organizations, has
launched the College & Work Ready Agenda,
a coalition advocating for a shared set of priorities, one of them
being to improve math and science K-12 education and alignment.
Why are we doing all of this? Because math and science matter.
- In
2005, 26,000 Washington employers reported they could not find
applicants with the math skills needed to fill their entry-level jobs.
- A majority of workers who earn more than $40,000 annually have two or more high school credits at the algebra 2 level or higher.
- According to the Associated General Contractors of America,
electricians, pipe fitters, sheet metal workers, draftsmen and
surveyors need algebra, geometry, trigonometry and physics to be
successful on the job.
- Research shows that the highest level
of math taken by students in high school is the greatest indicator of
their chances to earn a bachelor’s degree, regardless of race,
background or income.
Math Standards
Currently, many of Washington’s students do not receive the
basic math and science foundation they will need to be successful in an
increasingly complex and competitive world.
To help strengthen the state’s math and science
programs, the State Board of Education and the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction are currently revising Washington
State’s math standards to ensure they are of high quality. Any changes to the
standards will then be incorporated into the WASL in 2009-2010. In 2007, the
State Legislature also provided approximately $50 million for professional
development for teachers in math and science.
The Partnership is committed to supporting math and science
education in Washington State.
Requiring Algebra 2
For years, Washington has ranked among the states requiring
the least amount of math education for its high school students. But in 2007,
the Washington State Legislature directed the State Board of Education to
increase the high school math graduation requirements from two to three credits
(equivalent to three years of high school level math), and to determine the content of
the three credits.
In July 2008, the Board ruled
that all students should be required to complete a third credit of math in
algebra 2.
- The
requirement can be completed through an approved career and technical
education (CTE) course that aligns with algebra 2 standards.
- Some
students may elect an alternative math credit that leads to a specific
career goal identified in their High School and Beyond Plan with
parent/guardian and counselor approval.
This new requirement will go into effect beginning
with the Washington Class of 2013.
Be sure to check out our math and science materials for more information! To order copies of any of our materials, email info@partnership4learning.org or call 1-800-550-KIDS.
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