During a recent board meeting, the chief academic officer, Kathy Bauer, provided an overview of the district's upcoming mathematics programming and curriculum adoption process. This initiative is part of a broader strategic plan aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented students and addressing significant achievement gaps in mathematics.

Bauer highlighted that the California Department of Education approved a revised mathematics framework in June 2023 after a four-year delay, which has impacted the district's timeline for updating math materials. The state is expected to release an approved list of mathematics materials by November 2025, but the district may proceed with adoptions without this list, provided that a majority of the committee members are teachers. Currently, the district utilizes Eureka Math for grades K-8, with materials that are now nine years old, surpassing the typical eight-year update cycle.

The presentation revealed concerning trends in student proficiency, noting that mathematics achievement has remained stagnant over the past few years, with significant disparities among different student subgroups. Bauer emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of math pathways, placement assessments, and curriculum materials to better support all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Trustees expressed frustration over the slow pace of state curriculum updates, with some advocating for the district to move forward independently to avoid further delays in student learning. Public comments echoed this sentiment, with speakers urging the board to prioritize immediate action over waiting for state approvals.

The district plans to begin its review process this year, focusing on identifying root causes of achievement gaps and exploring successful practices from other districts. Stakeholder input will be sought throughout the process, with a committee expected to be convened in the second year to recommend new materials and potential changes to placement criteria.

As the district embarks on this critical initiative, the emphasis remains on ensuring that all students have access to a robust mathematics program that fosters academic success and equity.