The Maryland State Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a revised version of a new math policy geared toward elevating math proficiency across the state.
At a meeting Tuesday morning, the board was presented with an updated 2.5 version of the math policy that reflects feedback in three areas of concern: equity, access, and student learning experiences; learning structures and feasibility; and the timeline for implementing the changes.
The new math policy aims to standardize math teaching in elementary schools ensuring all students meet minimum grade-level standards. At the high school level, the policy reconstructs geometry concepts into Algebra 1 and 2 coursework, creating an integrated algebra pathway that is a change from what has traditionally been in the order of Algebra 1, geometry and then Algebra 2.
“The course content standards will not include three years of content into two,” said Lyndsey Brightful, director of mathematics at the Office of Teaching and Learning Instructional Programs and Services, addressing concern regarding the new math pathway. “But instead strategically integrate the core content of algebra, geometry, and statistics, aligned to college and career mathematics readiness.”
Most revisions to the policy involved updated language, deeper clarification and expanded explanation on topics like learning structures and the integrated algebra pathway, in addition to the inclusion of math coaches and interventionists in the policy.
“These are critical living documents that set the direction of core instruction in the state,” said State Board President Joshua Michael, speaking to the tension surrounding the early adoption of the policy.
“As a board we are going to be revisiting these on an annual basis. It is essential that we put a line in the sand and adopt these policies within a reasonable amount of time. … We know that there are components of this policy that we will not get right and that we need to come back to,” he said.
The math policy will be fully implemented during the 2028-29 school year.
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