OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Education leaders in Washington are pledging to devote more resources to math instruction.
The state Superintendent’s Office has released testing data from last spring’s annual assessments among students in grades 3-8 and 10.
It shows modest improvements in most math and reading scores compared to the previous year, as students continue their post-pandemic recovery.
Still, nearly a third of students performed below their grade level in math.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal says rapid advances in technology have prompted his office to ask for $10 million from the state Legislature to help improve math scores.
“If you’re not learning yourself how quickly AI is transforming the labor market, then I’m not sure there’s much more we can do except move on to lawmakers who understand the consequences of not making these investments and ask them again to double into it,” Reykdal told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Reykdal says the funds would pay for assistive technology software that kids can use to continue learning at home and professional development for math teachers, especially in grades K-8.
“Those late elementary years is when the United States starts to lose its grip in competitiveness with the rest of the world,” Reykdal said. “So we want to double down in those areas and those ages.”
Parents and families can contact their child’s school or school district for more information about their student’s assessment results.
