CSBA and ACSA file lawsuit challenging SBE Algebra 1 mandate

CSBA, its Education Legal Alliance and the Association of California School Administrators filed a lawsuit Sept. 4 against the State Board of Education regarding its recent decision to mandate Algebra 1 for all eighth-graders in California.

The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court, challenges the manner in which the SBE changed the Algebra 1 standard. It contends that the public 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, according to Judy Cias, CSBA assistant general counsel. The lawsuit also challenges the SBE’s authority to change the standard.

“Prior to making its 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.”

Cias said CSBA and ACSA are asking the court to declare the SBE action null and void because it failed to comply with public notice and agenda requirements.

The SBE will hold a public hearing on the Algebra 1 mandate during its meeting Thursday, Sept. 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the California Department of Education in Sacramento.

“We strongly encourage board members from throughout the state to attend the State Board of Education's meeting on Thursday morning,” said Holly Jacobson, CSBA assistant executive director of Policy Analysis and Continuing Education. “This may be their last opportunity to express their concerns and raise policy implications about the board's Algebra 1 decision. We also encourage them to submit letters reflecting their views about this issue to SBE Executive Director Debora Merle at dmerle@cde.ca.gov.”