How California can transform math education for English learners

  • by:
  • Source: EdSource
  • 10/18/2024
In California and across the country, English learners are too frequently an afterthought.

Though they are one of the largest student groups — California has more than 1 million students who are learning English as a second language, and that number is growing — their academic performance has barely budged over the last two decades. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 4% of English learners are proficient in eighth grade math, compared with 29% of non-English learners. Furthermore, NAEP reading scores revealed that only 10% of fourth grade English learners are proficient in reading, compared to 37% of non-English learners in the same grade.

There are many reasons for this. But one of the most important is also one of the most fundamental: The textbooks and other instructional materials used in classrooms every day are typically not written with English learners in mind. While these textbooks may be rigorous and aligned with state standards, they lack the cultural relevance and language support necessary for students who are learning English. Teachers know this to be true. A survey found that 82% of teachers believe their current materials either somewhat or not at all reflect the needed academic rigor for English learners.

Fortunately, California has an opportunity to start making this right. Next year, our State Board of Education will release its first math adoption list of state-approved curricula since 2014 — recommending math instructional materials that state education leaders believe align with California’s revised math framework. While some California districts have already started or completed their selection process, many districts in the state will soon choose a new math curriculum from that list.

Please help put parents in charge of their child’s education by forwarding this article to other parents, family, friends and voters.

Other Articles

Santa Barbara teachers demand fair pay as negotiations with district loom
More than 150 community members turned out to demand the Santa Barbara Unified School District listen to teachers’ calls for fair pay during a school board meeting on Oct. 4, the Santa Barbara Independent reported.
Read More
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CREATES FREE STEM TUTORING SERVICE FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Jasmine Garry, 17, has been passionate about technology since she was young. When she learned that girls often lose interest and are underrepresented in STEM fields, she knew she wanted to do something to inspire young students.
Read More
Flashcards help children learn multiplication tables, research suggests
Children often struggle to memorize multiplication facts, as Hechinger reported, but research suggests it may be worth the effort.
Read More
Bill to mandate ‘science of reading’ in California schools faces teachers union opposition
The move puts the fate of AB 2222 in question, but supporters insist that there is room to negotiate changes that can help tackle the state's literacy crisis.
Read More
Investing in Educator Housing
Development will allow teachers, ESPs to live where they work
Read More
15 States Where Teachers Make More Than the Average American
Despite the importance of their jobs, teachers sometimes get the short end of the stick when it comes to pay. Although the average annual wage for teachers is $68,373, compared with the average annual wage of $61,900 for all other U.S. occupations, teacher pay varies widely from state to state.
Read More
5 handy AI tools for school that students, teachers, and parents can use, too
These AI tools can summarize PDFs, tutor you, write essays, help solve math problems, and more.
Read More
Are Teacher Shortages Turning Around? The Surprising Answer Is Yes
I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. (And if you just don’t need it, skip down two paragraphs.) Increasing numbers of teachers have left education, citing burnout and a lack of support.
Read More

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2025 educationopportunity.org, Privacy Policy | FPPC #1460602