(July 9, 2008) In order to maintain the state’s current stature, vitality and overall appeal to world-class businesses, the California Chamber of Commerce supports Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ambitious goals of ensuring every California 8th grader is held to the highest education standard in mathematics in the nation: Algebra I testing.

Governor Schwarzenegger has asked the State Board of Education (SBE) to do away with the below grade-level General Mathematics test and chart California's course to lead the nation in 8th grade math.

The SBE is meeting today for a vote regarding assessment of content standards for 8th grade mathematics at its regular meeting. The CalChamber urges the board to adopt this new testing standard.

The board will choose whether California aligns the eighth-grade mathematics test with the state’s high expectations or perpetuate a two-track system: one for high achievers and one for those of whom less is expected.

In a letter to the SBE President, Governor Schwarzenegger asked board to do away with the below grade-level General Mathematics test and designate the state’s existing Algebra I exam as California’s test to measure eighth-grade mathematics for federal accountability purposes. “To do otherwise would lower our expectations and continue to divide our children between those we believe in and those we leave behind,” the Governor wrote.

California is the only state in the nation to use Algebra I as the official standard for 8th grade mathematics. Since 2003, the number of California 8th graders taking Algebra I has increased from 34 to 52 percent, compared with just 30 percent of 8th graders nationwide.

California has made significant gains in enrolling students in Algebra I in eighth grade in recent years, surpassing other states in the U.S.

In 2007, California’s eighth graders ranked 44th in the nation in mathematics achievement. Internationally, eighth graders in the United States are outperformed in mathematics by their counterparts in Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia and Hungary.

The CalChamber and business community acknowledge their roles in the education system. Helping young people develop the skills necessary to be productive citizens is an essential part of building and maintaining a strong economy; a strong economy is essential to business success and social responsibility.

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