SB 6534

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6534

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
March 6, 2008

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haigh, Liias, Roach, Santos and Sullivan.

Background:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) has the responsibility to develop and revise the learning standards that identify the knowledge and skills expected from public school students in various academic content areas. If the SPI proposes any modification to the learning standards, then the SPI must, upon request, provide opportunities for the education committees of the Legislature to review the proposed modifications before they are adopted.

In 2007 the Legislature directed the State Board of Education (SBE) and the SPI to undertake a revision of the learning standards in mathematics and science using a specified process. The review of the mathematics standards took place in 2007. First, the SBE recommended revisions to the standards based on a set of review criteria. The SBE engaged national consultant and created a Mathematics Advisory Panel to assist with this work. The report from the SBE and its consultant was completed September 30, 2007, and recommended a series of improvements that should be made to the mathematics standards.

Next, the SPI was required to revise the mathematics standards based on the recommendations and present them to the Legislature. The mathematics standards were presented January 31, 2008, with a subsequent draft presented on February 29, 2008. The SPI must adopt the revised standards and grade level expectations unless otherwise directed by the Legislature during the 2008 legislative session.

Summary of Bill:

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. Additionally, the revised standards should make clear the importance of all aspects of mathematics, including content, conceptual understanding, and application.

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.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has worked faithfully and diligently to implement the recommendations of the SBE. The latest set of revisions will be done in a day or two. This has been hard, difficult work, but the recommendations have been implemented. Postponing adoption of the standards risks losing another year of work with teachers on professional development and moving forward with curriculum recommendations. The bill should go forward as is, without amendments. Everyone wants a really good set of standards. The SBE is willing to have its consultant do another high level review, similar to the February 5 review, with a quick turnaround and completion in March.

(Opposed) What you have heard is unacceptable. There is far too much at stake to have competing consultants debating whether or not the revised standards are adequate. This makes it appear that Washington cannot get to rigorous, clear, easy-to-use math standards. But such standards exist and have already been created. These recommendations are being ignored.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Robert Butts, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; and Edie Harding, State Board of Education.

(Opposed) Elliot Paul, Where's the Math.