BOARD POLICY - 6142.92
The Board of Education recognizes that student achievement in mathematics is critical for preparing students for college and career, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Because the Board is responsible for ensuring that all students, regardless of race or ethnic background, receive an equal opportunity to advance in mathematics, it will ensure that the District implements a fair, objective, and transparent mathematics placement protocol. The protocol must be utilized to provide appropriate mathematics student placement and to prevent mathematics misplacement, particularly of students of color.
The mathematics placement protocol shall include the following elements:
Reliance on Objective Determinations
Mathematics placement of 9th graders shall be based on multiple objective measures. These measures may include:
- Diagnostic placement tests aligned to state-adopted content standards;
- Standardized tests that reflect statewide mathematics assessments;
- Student grades that reflect comprehension and mastery of the subject matter, from both semesters of the 7th and 8th grade year; and
- Other indicators of student performance and proficiency in mathematics.
Timing of Mathematics Placement Decisions and Parent/Student Notification
Placement decisions shall be communicated to parents/students prior to the start of the school year. Notices of placement decisions shall also include a description of the review process developed by the District, for any parents/students who may be dissatisfied with a student’s mathematics placement.
Implementation, Monitoring, and Accountability
District staff involved in placement decisions shall be properly trained on the placement protocols. The protocol shall also include steps for ensuring that it is being followed in practice, including provisions for checking that each student is properly placed according to the protocol within the first month of the school year. Any student found to be misplaced shall be placed in the correct mathematics course.
The District’s mathematics placement protocol shall be developed and implemented in coordination with elementary and middle schools to ensure appropriate placement at each level.
Governing Board Approval and Review
The Board must approve the placement protocol and once approved, the protocol shall be prominently posted on the District’s website and be made readily accessible to parents/students and administrators. District staff shall subsequently report to the Board of Education on an annual basis regarding the placement process and include in this report an examination of aggregate pupil placement data.
Legal References
Education Code
California Education Code Section 200
California Education Code Section 201
California Education Code Section 260
Government Code
California Government Code Sections 11135 et seq.
Court Cases
Serrano v. Priest, 18 Cal. 3d 728 (1976), cert. denied, Clowes v. Serrano, 432 U.S. 907 (1977) Butt v. State of California, 4 Cal. 4th 668 (1992)
California Constitution
Cal Const., Art. IX, Sec. 5
Federal Law
42 U.S.C. § 2000d (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); 34 C.F.R. § 100.3(b)(2)
Policy Adopted: July 12, 2016