Focus on math, science and engineering.
Our economy depends on it.
Our State Board of Education is on the right track by raising math and science graduation requirements. Now, the Legislature needs to fund new math and science curricula, additional classroom periods and the qualified teachers that will be required. Our state must continue to expand higher education enrollments in math and science degrees to fuel the growth of our increasingly technology-driven economy.
Improvements
- State Board of Education adopted new high school graduation requirements (contingent on funding) with an increased emphasis in math and science.
- The state adopted new K-8 math standards.
- Algebra II is a high school graduation requirement, starting with the Class of 2012.
- Increase in the number of students in 5th, 8th and 10th grade who met the science standard.
- Slight reduction in community college math remediation rates.
- The state is currently revising science standards.
No Change
- No significant progress on closing the math achievement gap.
Going Backward
- Decrease in the percentage of 4th graders who passed the Math WASL by 5% since 2005-06.
- Compared to other states, Washington’s use of and access to technology in schools ranks toward the bottom.
Strategies
- Determine the number of qualified math and science teachers needed to meet the demand, then recruit and train them.
- Expand higher education enrollments for students seeking math and science degrees.
- Fund and implement new high school graduation requirements (CORE 24).
- Select top science curricula and fund their adoption.
- Fund the adoption of approved math curricula.
- Increase access to technology.
Indicators
Community College Remediation:
In 2006-07, 45% of recent high school graduates enrolled in remedial math courses at community and technical colleges, down from 47% in 2004-05. (SBCTC)
Math Achievement:
- 4th grade Math WASL scores fell by 5% since 2005-06. (OSPI)
- 7th grade Math WASL scores rose by 2% since 2005-06. (OSPI)
- 49.3% of 10th graders passed the Math WASL. (OSPI)
Rigorous Curriculum:
In 2005, 24% of Washington’s 8th graders reported taking Algebra I (41st in the nation), compared to 20% in 2003.(Council of Chief State School Officers)
Technology:
Technology Counts 2008 score for Washington: C-
- Access to Technology: D+
- Use of Technology: D+
- Capacity to Use Technology: B-
- Washington ranks 7th out of the 8 Global Challenge States (down from 2nd in 2006).(Ed Week)
Engineering:
Washington ranks 45th in awarding bachelor’s degrees in engineering per 1,000 engineering occupations. (NCHEMS)
Computer Science:
Washington ranks 22nd in awarding associate’s degrees in computer science per 1,000 occupations in computer science-related fields. (NCHEMS)
