January 23, 2025
In This Edition:
1. Math Ed Bills Could Worsen Virginia's Math Crisis
2. Please Take 3-Min Survey on Student Health
3. January 16th School Board Meeting Recap
4. Happening Soon
Math Ed Bills Could Worsen Virginia's Math Crisis
The Issue: Virginia’s House and Senate Education K-12 Subcommittees considered bills this week focused on math education: SB978 and HB1829. While modeled on the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), these bills lack the VLA’s science- and evidence-based approach to math education. Instead, they perpetuate outdated, ineffective, and non-evidence based math “reforms” which have failed to improve NAEP Long-Term Trend Math scores for decades and have contributed to the current K-12 math crisis.
Background: If the VLA had proposed expanding Lucy Calkins-style literacy instruction, in our view, it would be similar to what both SB978 and HB1829 propose for math: continuing alleged "best practices" without evidence of their effectiveness. Any Virginia Numeracy Act should emphasize science-based, evidence-driven methods aligned with the Science of Math and the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse.
Key Issues:
The bills propose a new VDOE Office of Mathematics Improvement, requiring 13 new hires; however, critical math needs in the state demand student-centered initiatives, not expanded bureaucracy.
The proposed Mathematics Advisory Task Forces exclude key voices, such as STEM professors, parents, and business leaders, hindering a broader perspective beyond the prevailing math “reform” ideology.
Students could earn an Advanced Studies Diploma without taking Algebra 2, limiting their preparation for STEM, Economics, or Business careers at a young age and reducing diversity in these fields. Over 1,700 prominent STEM professors and professionals have warned against undervaluing foundational courses like Algebra 2.
Our Take: A Virginia Numeracy Act should be science- and evidence-based, focus on student-centered solutions, include diverse viewpoints, and ensure students have the necessary foundations for future STEM careers.
Go Deeper: Read the letter APE sent to VDOE on this topic. Please reach out to our elected state officials linking APE’s letter, asking them to please oppose these bills. Their email contacts are as follows: DelAMcClure@house.virginia.gov; delALopez@house.virginia.gov; delPHope@house.virginia.gov; senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov; senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Please Take a 3-Minute Survey on Student Health
APE is now a member of the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL) so we will periodically share information from ACTL so our readers can be informed. The School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) has asked ACTL members to share a 3-minute survey with their communities to gather feedback on parent's concerns regarding the health of their APS students. The survey is only two questions long and is completely anonymous. SHAB appreciates your feedback, which will help APS better focus on health areas of interest among APS parents.
Take the survey now.
January 16th School Board Meeting Recap
Highlights from the meeting include:
New board members Kathleen Clark and Zuraya Tapia-Hadley were welcomed for their first meeting since being elected
2025 Your Voice Matters Survey will be out – Feb. 12 – March 14;
Families will now receive an anonymous link
Students in grades 4 and above will receive a link at school
Budget Timeline – working on a collaborative budget with County Board
March 12th – Joint School Board & County Board Work Session
March 13th – Board Presentation
March 25th and April 3rd – Budget Work Sessions
May 1st School Board Action to Adopt FY 2026
Read the full recap here.
Happening Soon!
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8:30pm, School Board Work Session--Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL) #1. Syphax, Suite 260. Watch live.
Thursday, January 30, 7pm, School Board Meeting. Sign up to speak. Syphax.Watch live.
