NJSBA Is Partner in Algebra Movement

N.J. Is Partner in Algebra Movement

New Jersey has joined a partnership of nine states in the American Diploma Project Secondary Math Partnership to administer an exam with common standards for Algebra II students, beginning in May 2008. The effort is also part of New Jersey’s high school redesign initiative.

The project is an initiative of the ADP Network, a group of 29 states that educate more than 60 percent of all American public school students. In addition to New Jersey, participating states include Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Garden State Efforts The Algebra II exam complements New Jersey’s efforts in moving toward an end-of-course model for measuring high school performance. For example, between 60,000 and 70,000 high school students who study biology next year will be required to take an end-of-course exam for that subject in the spring of 2008.

While the multi-state Algebra II test is voluntary, the state Department of Education encourages school districts to participate in the project.

“Your participation in the Algebra II field tests will constitute a valuable contribution to the development of this test and to the high school redesign initiative,” wrote Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy in an April 24 memo to district superintendents.

Math = Success Studies conducted by the U.S. Education Department indicate that the highest level of math taken in high school is the most powerful predictor of whether a student will ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree and/or secure a well-paying job.

The American Diploma Project has awarded a contract to Pearson Education Measurement, which will conduct field tests in October 2007 and February 2008. Pearson will be sending a letter to districts explaining the field-test process and asking for participation.