California Mandates Eighth Grade Algebra Assessment

The state of California announced this month a plan to require all eighth graders to take an algebra assessment.  The state-wide algebra assessment, which must be implemented within the next three years, will ultimately lead to all eighth grade students taking Algebra I.  The reaction to this announcement has been mixed.  The reaction from the business community has been positive, with many citing the need for algebra skills for jobs in the scientific and technological markets.  From the education community, however, there has been skepticism, with many noting that a large percentage of students placed into Algebra I in the eighth grade will be unprepared.

Click here to read a news article about the algebra assessment from the Silicon Valley Mercury-News.

Click here to read an article about the concerns raised regarding California’s decision.

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