Court Upholds District Math Policy

Court Decision Upholds Palo Alto Unified Math Placement Policy

Palo Alto, CA—The Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) has achieved a significant victory in the recent ruling by the Santa Clara County Superior Court regarding the district’s Math Placement Policies. Specifically, the Court ruled that there are no required changes to anything related to students in Grades 6-8. Next, there are no substantive revisions to policies for students entering ninth grade. The Court requested some additional data and further clarification on the PAUSD website. The updates will be posted on or before August 15. 

This ruling reaffirms our unwavering commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all students to excel in mathematics. We take great pride in our carefully designed approach to math education which allows middle school students to complete four years of math within a three-year timeframe. The district provides flexibility for high school students to tailor their math education according to their individual paces and abilities.

The Court agreed that receiving pre-approval for courses taken outside the district is a necessary requirement. This district policy allows both the students and parents to be informed regarding transcript credit being provided.

The new California Math Framework, adopted in July 2023, calls for students to reach Algebra I by ninth grade. The vast majority of our students are reaching Geometry by ninth grade, with many even accelerating beyond that point. This achievement is a reflection of our commitment to create a supportive and challenging learning environment for every student. 

The court's decision is a testament to the fact that our Math Placement Policies align with the California Mathematics Placement Act of 2015 (SB359). We remain dedicated to adhering to state-adopted content standards, ensuring that our students receive a rigorous and enriching math education. 

PAUSD firmly believes in the profound impact math education can have on a student's future academic and professional paths. As such, the district is resolute in providing exceptional math instruction that empowers students to excel and achieve their full potential.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers, staff, and to the entire PAUSD community for their unwavering support in providing a world-class education to our students. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where every student can thrive academically and reach new heights.

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