Numeracy Act passes Alabama Senate, designed to boost student math skills
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — This week, the senate passed the Alabama Numeracy Act, designed to help boost math skills of Alabama students.
The bill now awaits a decision from the house.
The Numeracy Act would stop the use of common core in K-12 schools.
For years lawmakers have been trying to find a way to improve students reading and math skills.
"When we see the numbers for math for Alabama students being some of the most dismal in the country, it's prompted us to be focused on what educators can do in their tasks in training our children," Senator President Pro Tem Greg Reed.
It would establish an elementary mathematics task force made up of teachers, math coaches, and math specialists to help students.
SEE ALSO: Sex and race in Alabama public schools to be discussed during 2022 legislative session
SEE ALSO: Alabama inches closer to becoming 22nd "permit-less" carry state
If a school is underperforming, the state will intervene, if a student is underperforming, the task force will intervene.
Legislators believe this bill could improve math skills across the board.
"I think the numeracy bill, the math bill, has some good accountability in it. I think it's important. There's going to be some funding required and Senator Orr as well as Senator Garrett seem to be on the education budget side supporting. I look forward to getting feedback from the house on the legislation. I think it's strong," Reed.
The math push comes after the senate voted to delay the implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act.
The act mostly impacts incoming 4th graders in the 2023-2024 school year.
Mathematics task force members will intervene with struggling students.
