Average scores have been rising in English language arts, but dropping in math as students progress through middle and high school — a cause for worry.
In moving to the Common Core State Standards this year, California school districts had to choose between offering a blended or "integrated" approach to math or a traditional sequence of courses, setting off strong, sometimes passionate disagreements among parents and teachers.
With the implementation of Common Core, some districts are changing how and when they place students in accelerated math classes prior to high school. An accelerated path ensures students are able to take Calculus by their senior year, although studies indicate that some students were being placed in classes too soon.
