CSBA and ACSA file lawsuit challenging SBE Algebra I mandate

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 4, 2008) – The California School Boards Association, its Education Legal Alliance, and the Association of California School Administrators filed a lawsuit today against the State Board of Education regarding its recent decision to mandate Algebra I for all eighth graders in California.

The lawsuit challenges the manner in which the SBE changed the Algebra I standard. The notice and agenda for the July 9 SBE meeting failed to adequately inform the public that the SBE was contemplating such a fundamental change in state policy.  Specifically, this action violated the Bagley-Keene Act (Government Code section 11130.3 (a)). The Act allows a court to set aside an action as null and void if it finds non-compliance with notice and agenda requirements. The lawsuit also challenges the SBE’s authority to change the standard.

“Prior to making their decision, the SBE didn’t provide the public with an opportunity to express how such a change in policy will have significant ramifications for all aspects of the educational system,” said CSBA Executive Director Scott P. Plotkin. “These concerns include the teacher credentialing process, allocation of instructional time, professional development, instructional materials and areas in which our existing K-7 math standards must be strengthened.”

"We support high standards, including an Algebra requirement, for our students. This lawsuit targets the SBE for overstepping its authority. The SBE certainly has no authority to mandate that Algebra be taken in the eighth grade rather than high school,” said Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators Bob Wells.