Math Matters: Advancing Equity in California Math Education
Why Math Matters
For too long, math instruction in California has failed to serve all students equitably. Instead of being a gateway to success, it has too often acted as a gatekeeper—especially for students of color, multilingual learners, and those experiencing poverty.
At EdTrust-West, we believe math learning should empower, not exclude. Through our leadership in the High-Quality Instructional Materials Learning Partners Coalition (HQIM-LPC), we are advocating for the policies and practices that will ensure that every student in California receives the kind of math education that engages student interests and experiences, empowers them as mathematicians, and prepares them to use math for future success.
Where Are We Now?
The 2023–24 CAASPP data reveal painful disparities: only 1 in 10 multilingual learners, 1 in 6 Black students, and 1 in 4 Latinx students met grade-level standards in math-far below statewide averages. Multilingual learners and students with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers that limit their access to rigorous, grade-level math instruction. These disparities are not new—but they are unacceptable, and they reflect long-standing gaps in opportunity, not ability.
While California still has a long way to go in closing persistent gaps in math access and outcomes, the adoption of the 2023 California Mathematics Framework marks a bold commitment to reimagining math instruction to be inclusive, relevant, and empowering for all students. For three years, EdTrust-West and our HQIM-LPC partners led a diverse group of educators, researchers, parent organizations, and community advocates to ensure that the Framework centers equity, is asset-based, culturally responsive, and better serves the needs of California’s multilingual learners.
Through our coalition’s advocacy, many of our priorities are now reflected in the Framework, including guidance grounded in research-backed instructional practices, stronger integration of English Language Development (ELD) with math instruction, and a vision for helping all students see themselves as capable mathematicians.
But the work does not end with the adoption of the state’s approved list of instructional materials. EdTrust-West and our partners will continue to lead efforts to ensure districts and schools have the resources they need to implement the Framework effectively. This includes creating tools to help educators and families navigate local adoption processes, supporting the implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and building educator capacity to deliver rigorous, relevant, and affirming math instruction.
We will also continue to convene partners to create a policy roadmap that builds upon the Math Framework to ensure that all students have access to the instruction, courses, materials, and additional supports they need to truly thrive in mathematics. Together, we are committed to ensuring that California’s vision for equitable math teaching and learning becomes a reality for every student.
Principles for High-Quality and Equitable Math Education
Achieving high-quality and equitable math instruction in California requires more than good intentions—it demands bold, systemic change.
1
Every Student Should Have Access to High-Quality Instructional Materials
2
Every Student Should Have Access to College and Career-Ready Math Pathways with the Support They Need to Succeed
3
Educator Support and Development Should be Prioritized and Funded
What Can You Do?
Transforming math education in California
is a collective effort and
everyone has a role to play.
District Leaders
Prioritize the adoption of high-quality instructional materials and ensure teachers have the time, training, and support to implement them effectively
Educators
Advocate for professional learning opportunities and collaborate with colleagues to bring the new framework to life in your classrooms
What Can You Do?
Transforming math education in California is a collective effort-and everyone has a role to play:
District Leaders
District Leaders
Prioritize the adoption of high-quality instructional materials and ensure teachers have the time, training, and support to implement them effectively.
Educators
Educators
Policymakers
Policymakers
Community Members and Families
Community Members and Families
Connect with us online!
Also, make sure you sign up to receive communication from our Coalition! Together, we can ensure that math is no longer a barrier-but a bridge-to opportunity for every student in California.