SB 6534, has just passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor for signature. The main purpose is to describe the new process and timetable for the final leg of the math standards revision process. It also gives the State Board of Education, rather than OSPI the final say in determining the standards. Due to these changes, the final standards adoption may be delayed until as late as September 25, 2008.
The Legislature intends that the revised mathematics standards by the SPI will fortify content and increase rigor; provide greater clarity, specificity, and measurability of what is expected of students; supply more explicit guidance for educators; enhance the relevance of mathematics to students, and ultimately result in more Washington students having the opportunity to be successful in mathematics.
The SBE is directed to retain a national consultant in mathematics to analyze the February 2008 version of the revised mathematics standards, compare them to previously reviewed exemplar standards, and recommend specific language and content changes needed to finalize the standards. By May 15, 2008, the SBE reviews the consultant’s draft report; consults the Mathematics Advisory Panel; holds a public hearing; and directs any subsequent modifications to the report. After modifications to the report are made, the SBE forwards the report and recommendations to the SPI for implementation.
By July 1, 2008, the SPI must revise the mathematics standards to conform precisely to and incorporate each of the SBE’s recommendations. By July 31, 2008, the SBE either approves the final revised mathematics standards for adoption by the SPI or develops a plan for ensuring that the recommendations are implemented so that final revised standards can be adopted by September 25, 2008.
