Improving Alabama's Math Scores

A week ago, the Alabama House awarded final passage to the Numeracy Act. What we are looking to do here is bring focus and attention back upon what has been (for way too long) a largely ignored problem.

Not good: Alabama public school students rank 52nd in the nation in math proficiency. (Yes, behind Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia)

Some stats:

• Only 22% of Alabama students were proficient in math on the 2021 ACAP state assessment, including only 11% of low-income students and 7% of black students.
• In addition 28 K-5 schools in Alabama currently 0% of students proficient in math.

The Numeracy Act aims to follow a model that was proven successful by other programs such as the Alabama Reading Initiative and the Alabama Literacy Act in order to focus educational resources.

For everyone with Common Core concerns, here is the first line of the bill:

This bill would establish the Alabama Numeracy Act and would prohibit the use of the curriculum standards, commonly known as the Common Core State Standards, in public K-12 schools.

To clear any confusion, the responsibility for setting curriculum standards lies with the State Board of Education, NOT with the Alabama Legislature.

The Numeracy Act will create a new Office of Mathematics Improvement within the State Department of Education and task the office with ensuring that students are at or above grade-level proficiency in math by fifth grade.

The Act will also allow the State Department of Education to intervene in schools that continue to perform below expected levels, even after additional resources are put in place. Much like the Alabama Reading Initiative successfully raised reading scores statewide by placing specially-trained reading coaches in public schools, the Numeracy Act will locate specially-trained math coaches in areas where they are needed.

As I’ve stated many times, education and access to it is of major importance to me. 52nd is unacceptable, and we’re going to do something about it, and I’m energized that the Numeracy Act brings attention and resources to this issue.

Post-Script: Received this note from A+ Education Partnership out of Montgomery late last week:

Dear Representative Faulkner:

Thank you for making your voice heard! The Alabama Legislature passed Senate Bill 171, The Alabama Numeracy Act, with strong bipartisan support. The bill now moves to Governor Ivey to sign. We look forward to supporting educators in the successful implementation and execution of this bill.

The Alabama Numeracy Act creates a comprehensive statewide plan to improve math achievement. The bill adds intensive support and funding for teachers and schools including: K-5 math coaches in every elementary school, training for teachers and principals, high-quality instructional materials and curricula for teachers to use in the classroom, intensive interventions for struggling students, and accountability to ensure schools are making progress.

As always, we are thankful for your partnership. Our work could not happen without you!

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