Common Algebra II Test

Nine States announced that they will give a common test for algebra II starting next year. Achieve.org is helping design the test.

Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will share standards and the tests, and are expected to release scores on the test to colleges.

Apparently, this is being driven by the recent research that showed students that pass algebra II are more likely to succeed in college. U.S. News carried this article today.

This seems like a great idea. Now I need to lobby my State Dept of Ed to join in. If the colleges find it useful, I hope it puts pressure on many more states to join the group.

CT gets new Commissioner of Education

The big news here in Connecticut is that we finally got a Commissioner -- Mark McQuillan was named our new leader. The local papers are all carrying pretty much the same story, which you can find at the Courant, or the Advocate. So far, the big question seems to be, will there be a required exit exam for HS (like they do in Mass). The new Commissioner is from Massachusetts.

Mass recently revised their elementary math standards. Now they get an A for their math standards, according to the Fordham Foundation. In a recent decision, Mass. will be requiring more math from their teachers before they get an elementary license. Starting in 2008, teachers will have to pass a broader sub-test in math. Sandra Stotsky (on the National Math Panel, and member of the MA Bd of Ed), is quoted as saying "Teachers can't teach what they don't know." This was in a recent Boston article you can find here.

So I wonder whether Mr. McQuillan can bring some of that magic to Connecticut. Any thoughts? I'd love to see new leadership that really addresses the shortfalls in Connecticut's math curriculum standards and CMT tests.