SACRAMENTO, Calif. Nov. 8, 2007—The California State Board of Education today unanimously approved five Pearson math programs designed to teach everything from basic entry-level concepts for Kindergarteners to algebra for middle and high school students.

The Board’s approval, the result of California’s 2007 Math Adoption process, paves the way for students and teachers throughout California to benefit from research-based programs authored by some of the Nation’s most respected authorities in math education, including five California experts.

Pearson mathematics author, Randall Charles said, “Virtually all of the research in recent years confirms that in order for our students to compete in the global 21st century economy, they simply must improve significantly in their understanding of math concepts and skills. Mathematics is a significant obstacle for many students, and this is no longer acceptable.” Pearson’s math programs are addressing the crisis Charles refers to with innovative, proven, scientifically research-based solutions based on lessons learned from the worldwide TIMSS studies and other research. Dr. Charles, who is Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematics at San Jose State University and past Vice President of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, is an author for four of the Pearson math programs approved for adoption by California school districts.

Dr. Charles noted, “One of the critical programs we are offering for California is our Algebra Readiness program, a fixed-term course for students who are not yet prepared for Algebra 1.” Charles noted that the goal of this program is proficiency in the16 targeted standards identified in the Framework for Algebra Readiness. To attain this goal, the standards have been mapped backwards to fully develop students’ foundation for the target standards.

In addition to Dr. Charles, other California authors of the Pearson math programs approved by the Department of Education are: Allan E. Bellman, School of Education, University of California, Davis; Alma Ramirez, Co-director of the Mathematics Case Project at West Ed, Oakland; Dr. Mary Cavanagh, Project Coordinator, Math, Science and Beyond, San Diego County Office of Education; and consulting author Jeanne F. Ramos, Secondary Mathematics Coordinator, Los Angeles Unified School District.

The following provides a synopsis of the five programs approved by the California State Board of Education:

• Pearson Scott Foresman - Addison Wesley enVisionMath California: A K-6 mathematics program focusing on conceptual understanding and skill development. It incorporates a powerful digital component for all grades, and an innovative consumable text for students.
• Prentice Hall Mathematics California – 6th grade, Pre-Algebra, Algebra: A 6-8th grade program focused on problem solving and intended to promote independent thinking and learning.
• Prentice Hall Mathematics California Algebra I: A widely used, proven and successful Algebra curriculum focused on state standards. Its student-friendly design helps make the subject accessible to 8th graders.
• Prentice Hall Mathematics California Algebra Readiness: An 8th-grade program designed to bridge the gap between basic math and algebra. It employs a consumable text, manageable size and a focus on basic algebraic concepts.
• Connecting to Algebra for Algebra Readiness – An NSF-funded Grade 8 level program, grounded in research and interactive learning styles.

Dr. Charles said, “All math educators have a role in making sure our students are successful with Algebra.” He added, “Combined and separately, these programs represent the innovations in learning tools essential in today’s world that will help teachers boost students’ understanding of math principles, improve their performance, and prepare them for higher level math.”

About Pearson:
Pearson is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. Our respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, SuccessMaker, Waterford, AGS, PowerSchool, Chancery SMS, SASI, Pearson Inform, Teachervision.com and many others. Our comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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