In response to the recent public outcry regarding the California Mathematics Framework and the associated textbooks the Assembly Education Committee will hold a hearing in March to examine the existing controversy. Educators, school board members, administrators and parents will provide testimony at the special hearing. There is serious question whether or not California should proceed with the philosophy as reflected in the current framework. Preliminary research by my staff indicates that there are serious problems with the "constructivist" approach which we believe is contributing to declining math SAT scores in districts that utilize this approach.
It is my understanding that districts are now in the process of adopting math textbooks that were published under guidelines from the existing framework. The special hearing will promote discussion of the validity of the existing curricula selection and will examine the question of the need for substantial change in the state position regarding the best delivery model and most successful method of teaching mathematics.
Districts considering the purchase of new textbooks should consider delaying any decision until after the upcoming special hearing of the Assembly Education Committee. Testimony and recommendations received during the hearing could have an impact on the math curricula in the state. Since districts use textbooks for a minimum of seven years, it is critical that districts have the most recent information available when selecting the textbooks. This hearing will provide crucial information for that decision making process.