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Math and Science

California is in the midst of major reforms in the way math is taught based on the Common Core standards. It is also implementing new approaches to teaching science as a result of the state’s adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards. At the same time, the state faces a shortage of teachers in both math and science. How well students do in each of these major areas of the curriculum have long-range implications for California’s future.
February 18, 2019

California students may not be ready for new science test

Although students will begin taking the California Science Test in March, most school districts have yet to approve textbooks or materials aligned to the new standards adopted six years ago by the State Board of Education. Still, federal law is requiring California to begin testing this year.

Diana Lambert
November 19, 2018

Preschoolers take on math with the help of college students

Preschool Counts, a program piloted by Stanford University in 2013, is boosting early math skills by pairing undergraduate students with preschoolers to practice math through games and other activities.

Ashley Hopkinson
September 13, 2018

California embraces computer science in its schools

California State Board of Education adopted California’s first ever model K-12 computer science standards last week.

Trish Williams
July 26, 2018

Best way to improve student math scores? Change teachers’ attitudes, study says

Scores rose 8 points after teachers took a course designed to improve their own knowledge.

Carolyn Jones
June 27, 2018

State budget has nearly $400 million for science, math education — but not teacher training

After-school coding classes, high school tech internships and STEM teacher residencies are among the programs funded in the new state budget.

Carolyn Jones
June 11, 2018

New all-girls public school in LA implements strategy to boost math achievement

The district-run math-and-science school opened in 2016 and already has a waiting list of 400.

Carolyn Jones
June 6, 2018

Good news for C students and English majors – tech jobs are for you, too, study says

Too many students think 'STEM is only for the smartest of the smart,' while millions of jobs go unfilled.

Carolyn Jones
May 22, 2018

Latino, African-Americans have less access to math, science classes, new data show

New data from the Office of Civil Rights shows wide gaps in advanced math and science enrollment.

Carolyn Jones
May 8, 2018

High school math needs major overhaul, teachers group says

The report by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics report calls for an end to tracking, and more practical course offerings.

Carolyn Jones
April 30, 2018

California schools getting a little greener as environmental education guidelines roll out

California's environmental standards are among the top in the nation, but implementation "is a big lift."

Carolyn Jones
April 24, 2018

Rural schools find ways to bring science innovations closer to home

Mobile science labs, Skype lessons with scientists and robotics workshops are among the offerings at some remote schools.

Carolyn Jones
April 16, 2018

Focusing on the language skills of English Learners key to boosting math scores

An Education Trust–West report highlights successful strategies some California districts implemented to improve English learners' performance in math.

Ashley Hopkinson
April 10, 2018

Illuminating science for blind students, with help from latest tech devices

The technology, combined with supportive teachers, has opened the door to science careers.

Carolyn Jones
April 8, 2018

A quiet revolt reshaping the pathway to college

Alternatives to algebra open up new opportunities for students.

Pamela Burdman
March 18, 2018

Finally, enough beakers for everyone: Oakland teacher wins grant for state-of-the-art science lab

$20,000 award from National Science Teachers Association will provide much-needed supplies to East Oakland middle school

Carolyn Jones