“Georgia lawmakers have taken an important step to strengthen math achievement and expand opportunity for students across the state. This legislation raises expectations and ensures more students receive the instruction and support needed to succeed in math, careers and life.
“Students will see the benefits of higher-quality instruction, more dedicated time on foundational skills for essential math learning and guaranteed access to advanced coursework when they demonstrate readiness. These important changes will create a stronger, more consistent pathway to achievement for every student.
“We are grateful to Rep. Sandy Donatucci, Rep. Chris Erwin, Sen. Steven McNeel and legislative leaders for their commitment to improving math achievement and ensuring more students gain the skills they need for long-term success.”
About the Legislation
The Math Matters Act strengthens math education in the state. The legislation:
Guarantees Access to Advanced Math
- Establishes advanced math coursework and guarantees access for prepared students in grades 6–10.
- Requires consistent opportunities for advanced pathways, with state standards established in grades 8-10 and state support for districts in grades 6-7.
- Eliminates barriers that prevent qualified students from advancing.
- Establishes guidelines for parents to opt their students in and out of advanced math pathways.
- Requires the Georgia Department of Education to report and track student outcomes annually to ensure the policy is delivering results.
Strengthens Math Instruction
- Establishes statewide expectations to ensure all students receive focused, high-quality math learning time by requiring at least 60 minutes of daily core math instruction in upper elementary grades to build strong foundational skills.
Improves Teacher Preparation and Support
- Strengthens teacher preparation programs to ensure new educators are ready to teach math effectively by focusing on the four strands of math proficiency (procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, productive dispositions and real-world problem solving).
- Ensures all pre-service elementary educators receive training on evidence-based math instruction and effective interventions.
- Aligns the state’s teacher certification assessment to evidence-based math instruction.
Solution Areas:
Math Policy
