California to Require 8th Grade Algebra Testing

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/09/04/156390clgebradispute_ap.html
According to this article in EdWeek, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed that all 8th graders were to be given algebra tests. Apparently Arnold requested this the night before it was to be voted on by a board appointed by him. It was adopted by a vote of 8-1. Other interesting information from the article includes that currently only half of the state's 8th graders are enrolled in algebra. The Association of California School Administrators filed suit.

As many of you know I just came from teaching high school math (so I found this article very interesting). One of my classes was TAKS Math. I worked with the seniors who did not pass the state mandated test on their first two attempts. I had a disproportionate amount of Californians in this class. They were often bitter, stating, "I already passed the California exit exam". This, combined with some of the information provided in our first meeting, leads me to believe that California does indeed need reform.

But I am concerned about the approach Arnold is trying to take. According to Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, currently only "23 percent of those students [the half of 8th graders in algebra] score as proficient or above on standardized tests". Questions I have include: Does this mean all students will suddenly be required to take algebra? Is Arnold just trying to get a feel for student ability or does he have goals (pass rates) in mind? When will this new system go into effect? How will the kids who are not ready be supported?

I am all for high expectations, but they need to also be realistic. Appropriate goals may be more like: lets improve the success of students already in these classes; lets increase the number of students in these classes (with a goal of 80% enrollment in three years or something to that effect). If we push these kids into things they are not ready for, especially without adequate support, we risk alot. What if they feel overwhelmed, give up, and vow to hate math forever? What if they fall behind and stay behind through high school?

Again, I believe in high standards. But I think we need to be thoughtful of those standards and how we plan to reach them.