From the CDE/SBE Joint Release: #23-54 July 12, 2023 https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr23/yr23rel54.asp
California Approves Revised Math Framework as a Step Forward for Equity and Excellence
The guidance includes strategies to:
- Structure the teaching of the state’s math standards around “big ideas” that integrate rather than isolate math concepts—a best practice in high-performing countries.
- Increase focus on developing student mathematical expertise as described in California’s Standards for Mathematical Practice, which include the ability to make sense of problems and persevere to solve them; to reason abstractly and quantitively; to attend to precision; and to apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.
- Connect learning to the “real world” through authentic examples and use of data, prompting students to ask and answer meaningful questions. Adding authenticity to lessons helps teachers answer students’ questions around “why do I need to learn this?”
- Allow students to “see themselves” in curriculum and in math-related careers by making math instruction culturally relevant and empowering.
- Stimulate deep learning by sparking student curiosity through lessons that encourage inquiry and problem-solving.
- Ensure that students develop both appreciation of math concepts and fluency in using math efficiently through the productive use of algorithms and mastery of math facts they have come to understand.
- Integrate and align math concepts taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
- Ensure that all high school math pathways are open to all students.
- Support multiple ways to get more students to higher level mathematics—ranging from successful acceleration to differentiated instruction, personalized supports, extra lab sections, and additional coursework offered at multiple junctures—augmenting more effective core instruction.
- Expand high school math course options to encourage more students to go beyond minimum course requirements.
- Encourage students across age spans to become proficient at understanding and using data—a key skill in the 21st century job market.
- Help students to identify misleading uses of data and use data to make decisions in their roles as global citizens.
- Develop in students a “growth mindset” about mathematics, in line with the groundbreaking research of Stanford’s Dr. Carol Dweck, that supports effort and perseverance.
- Instill confidence in learners by dispelling myths about who can and cannot learn math.
- Develop instruction and curriculum that is “multi-dimensional” and employs the use of visuals, graphics, and words in addition to numbers and equations.
