OSPI's small but successful launch of Modern Algebra 2 has taught us three key lessons about implementing a new, more relevant high school math course:

Partnership is key: Seeking input from post-secondary actors—including higher education institutions, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, and workforce development entities—helped ensure that the course aligns with the skills and knowledge students will need in various paths after high school. Foundational guidance from the Dana Center and other experts was also vital to creating Modern Algebra 2.
Professional learning is critically important: Ensuring teachers feel prepared to teach Modern Algebra 2 is critical and has been addressed on an ongoing basis. OSPI conducts summer and winter institutes and continuous community of practice events to prepare educators to teach this new course. As a result, a survey of pilot teachers revealed 100% agreed they saw an improvement in their practice—not only in Modern Algebra 2, but in the other courses they teach as well.
Be patient about gauging the impact: In Washington, students take the Smarter Balanced state assessment in 10th grade, which makes it difficult to see the impact of the Modern Algebra 2 course on 11th and 12th grade students in a standardized way. Non-assessment measures like success behaviors, however, can be compared. An internal survey showed students in the pilot course have significantly grown in metacognition and have reported an increase in help-seeking behaviors and a sense of belonging.

Career pathways are evolving

As educators and leaders, our goal is to ensure all students are prepared for the next step in their lives. Not all students want to make calculus that next step. While the Modern Algebra 2 course equips students with the skills to choose fourth-year math courses like precalculus, it also encourages them to consider statistics, bridge to college mathematics or other quantitative reasoning-based classes, empowering them with the freedom to craft the most relevant path to their futures.

Instant Insights /

High school math: Why and how to modernize it

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