SBE Agenda Item 3 Addendum Attachment 2

January 9, 2013

Michael Kirst, President
California State Board of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 5111
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Recommended Modifications to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with California Additions and Model Courses for Higher Mathematics

At its December 10, 2012, meeting, the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) voted unanimously to support modifications to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with California additions and the model course outlines for higher mathematics that will simplify and consolidate the California additions, provide for both a traditional and an integrated pathway for higher mathematics, and eliminate duplicate standards. The IQC supports modifications that are consistent with the design and focus of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM), meet the requirements of Senate Bill 1200 (Chapter 654, Statutes of 2012), and bring California closer to alignment with other Common Core states. In addition, the IQC supports higher mathematics model courses that are rigorous and will prepare our students for college, careers, and citizenship.

The IQC suggests one additional modification to a California addition in grade two: the deletion of the words “combinations of” in standard 2.MD.8. The standard is currently written as follows: “Solve word problems involving combinations of dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately. Example: If you have 2 dimes and 3 pennies, how many cents do you have?” As currently written, standard 2.MD.8. would require second-grade students to use decimal notation to which they are not formally introduced until grade four. This California addition is not consistent with the focus and coherence of the CCSSM.

The IQC recommends that the State Board of Education (SBE) adopt the modifications to the California additions and the outlines for the model courses in higher mathematics as posted on December 19, 2012, for the public hearings as required by SB 1200. These modifications and course outlines will be presented for action at the SBE’s January 16, 2013, meeting.

Sincerely,

Bill Honig, Chair
Instructional Quality Commission

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cc: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson
    Patricia Rucker, Member, State Board of Education
    Members, Instructional Quality Commission