OrangeMath focuses on finding ways to implement the State Scholars Initiative which is also supported by research develop by ACT.

Focus on Sacramento is the major political effort needed today.

The pages dedicated to improving science achievement are somewhat moot.  For example, the State of California implements the NCLB science test requirements with an 8th grade "Physical Science" test, which makes Physics for eighth graders a dead end.  However, Physics for ninth graders instead of Earth Science makes great sense.

_______________________________________________________________

A little rusty on some math skills?  Need more automaticity? Take an adaptive math course from ALEKS (a UCI spinoff).  Try Essential Mathematics, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, or Pre-Calculus for FREE! Send an email to Mr.A@OrangeMath.com with your name, school, and what you'd like to take.  Only a few free licenses are available.

_______________________________________________________________

Improving STAR results requires motivated students, dedicated teachers, and reasonable policies.

STAR test scores will rise if the test scores impact all students.  Some approaches follow.  Please suggest more.  Implementing one or all of them before the start of the second semester THIS YEAR can be done, or another year will be lost.  Pilot programs can be implemented now.

    Limiting Enrollment in Honors & AP Classes

    Adjusting Grades after STAR Results

    Assigning Grades after STAR Results

_______________________________________________________________

The mission of the Math Working Group is both to refine and improve mathematics curriculum in support of mandated guidelines and assist in the development of instruction.

These pages provide suggestions for the Math Working Group to consider and comments on its choices.

_______________________________________________________________

Professional growth can be low cost, sustainable, and consistent year to year.  For example, the approaches of using Learner.org and ALEKS can be started by teachers at any time.

_______________________________________________________________

Curriculum pathways and course materials will always need revising because of changes in content availability and delivery.  In our era, making the curriculum assessment driven while enhancing real education is the challenge.

Moving from two years of math to three years of math, while pushing Algebra 1 into eighth grade means that students effectively need two higher level courses than comparable students took a decade ago.  Managing this transition and motivating students to take three years is the focus of this page.

_______________________________________________________________