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Vote Coming on Changes to Math Standards

North Carolina has hit an important milestone in the two-year effort to review our academic standards. At its meeting this week, the State Board of Education (SBOE) received draft changes to high school math standards from the Department of Public Instruction. The draft standards are available for public comment, and the SBOE plans to vote on the changes in June.

The specific changes follow the work of the Academic Standards Review Commission (ASRC), an independent body created by the legislature in 2014. One of the priorities identified by the commission was improving the clarity and organization of the high school math standards. Some teachers have called for more clarity, and better professional development, around the new integrated approach to high school math.

In response, DPI pulled together a team of math educators from around the state. The team first reviewed all public feedback and the ASRC report. Then, the educators created a list of specific changes to the standards.

This group’s work is critical for ensuring that our high school math standards encourage conceptual thinking and problem solving. The purpose of integrated math is to improve the career and college readiness of our graduates. The State Board and DPI have taken the right step by making sure the last phase in the process is guided by the teachers who work with these standards every day.

When the changes to high school math are finalized, the SBOE and DPI will move to K-8 math and English/Language Arts standards. Please encourage educators, particularly high school math instructors, to review and comment on the draft changes.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber