SACRAMENTO — On July 9, 2008, the State Board of Education (State Board) voted to implement Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to require all eighth grade students be tested in Algebra I within three years, effectively requiring every eighth-grade student to take Algebra I.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, education organizations, and educators from throughout the state expressed serious concerns with this decision. O'Connell specifically raised doubts that despite the efforts of dedicated educators the new Algebra I mandate must be matched with significant investments to help schools prepare all students to succeed in Algebra I at the eighth-grade level.

Today, O'Connell outlined the California Algebra I Success Initiative he developed to ensure all schools and all students have the resources necessary to prepare for and meet the new eighth-grade Algebra I mandate.

"We can not demand that students meet this challenge without making the substantial changes to our entire system that will help students be successful in Algebra I in eighth grade," O'Connell said. "I would have preferred a broader conversation about the best way to invest in our schools and reform our system to ensure our students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive global economy. But, given the State Board's decision, I believe it is imperative we focus on ensuring our students are now given the resources they need to successfully reach this mandate.

"I have outlined a comprehensive plan to give our schools the support they need to help all students meet the Algebra I challenge. If implemented, the Algebra I Success Initiative will improve mathematics instruction and prepare all students for success in Algebra I in eighth grade. Since the Governor's Algebra I requirement takes effect in just three years, we must make the investments in our school system now in order to meet this extremely tight timetable for public education.

"It is now up to the Governor to keep his commitment by fully funding the Algebra I Success Initiative. If he is not willing to provide the full funding necessary to support our students and teachers in reaching this mandate, then it is incumbent on him to instruct the State Board to reconsider the Algebra I requirement for all eighth graders.

"Governor Schwarzenegger's administration has publicly acknowledged that it would take billions of new dollars specifically targeted to make the changes in schools that will enable all eighth graders to succeed in Algebra I. The proposed $3.1 billion needed to fund the Algebra I Success Initiative is aimed at helping teachers and administrators directly improve student instruction. It calls for a comprehensive approach that expands programs which support student learning, improves curriculum and professional development for teachers, and enhances math teacher recruitment and retention programs.

"This is by no means an exhaustive list of what is required, but all of these components are crucial to set in motion right now if the mandate is to be met."

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Attachment: The California Algebra I Success Initiative