TEA proposes rule to implement advanced middle school math bill
Date Posted: 3/27/2024 | Author: Mark Wiggins
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) published a new proposed rule Monday requiring each school district and open-enrollment charter school to develop a middle school advanced mathematics program for students in Grades 6-8 to enable students to enroll in Algebra I in Grade 8.
The rule would implement the statutory requirements of Senate Bill (HB) 2124, which the 88th Legislature passed in 2023. SB 2124 includes a parental notification requirement and a provision allowing parents to opt their student out of the advanced math program.
The proposed rule text includes a requirement that certain students be automatically enrolled in a middle school advanced math program. Those students would include each Grade 6 student whose performance was in the 60th percentile or higher on statewide scores for the Grade 5 STAAR math exam or in the top 40% on a local measure that includes the student’s Grade 5 class ranking or a demonstrated proficiency in Grade 5 math coursework.
The agency announced a webinar discussing the advanced math program from 2–4 p.m. March 28. You must register in advance to participate.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
05/09/2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 9, 2025
The Legislature continues its attack on payroll deduction, the future of the “Texas Two-Step” is uncertain, and the House looks to overhaul Texas’ testing and accountability system.
05/09/2025
Texas politicians are treating professional educators like babies … again
Some Texas legislators and elected officials spent Teacher Appreciation Week trying to strip your constitutional rights and silence your voices.
05/09/2025
Senate begins to move cross-chamber legislation
Most public education action this week in the Senate occurred behind the scenes as it appears education committee leaders are negotiating key school finance provisions.
Great ... However many (if not most) schools are already doing this. We have done this at Overton since 1987. As a math teacher (retired) I attended many workshops regarding curriculum as well as teaching methods. I recall being given data that only 1 in 5 8th grade math students had the abstract thinking ability to successfully complete Algebra I. At the same time the research showed that only 50% of all 9th grade students had that needed ability. If that is true then why are all Texas High school students required to take Algebra I by the end of their 9th grade year?