We strongly oppose the Proposed California Department of Education's 2021 Mathematics Framework.   The Framework will have a significant adverse effect on gifted and advanced learners.

The proposed Mathematics Framework essentially denies the existence of giftedness, indicating it is just a construct used to track a white-male dominant group into STEM at the expense of females and minorities (and also undermines the growth mindset)--and therefore the advanced math classes should be removed.  Moreover, it argues that acceleration just results in students needing to retake math classes again, so it should no longer be an option. 

First, as described in the California Association for the Gifted position statement and expanded upon in our detailed comments in this link (viewable on this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19pOJZf8CrRe084tSBMyGpzY4WynsLXSwEtKzZMxnWNA/edit?usp=sharing  differentiated learning experiences in mathematics should be individualized based on a student’s readiness, interests, and domain-specific abilities in mathematics.

Secondly, eliminating access to advanced mathematics will disproportionately restrict access and exacerbate the excellence gap and reinforce disparities with students who are underrepresented, underserved, and those that are from varying cultural, racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The 2021 Mathematics Framework for California has included language that both perpetuates harmful myths about gifted students and their educational needs, and removes equitable pathways to advanced math instruction. 

Please add your name to our detailed Open Letter to the California Department of Education and share this widely.