Washington, like many states, is struggling to have all students attain higher levels of learning in math.

Many students still have not been able to pass the math portion of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). We appreciate that there has been a great deal of information in the media about math. I’d like to share with you what we in the Edmonds School District have been working on to address this math challenge.

For students to learn math at higher levels, it’s important they take a “sequence” of math. This puts them on pace to reach proficiency that not only ensures graduation, but effectively prepares them for post-secondary education and training options after high school.

We have wonderful, skilled teachers in our schools who also need support in aligning their instructional skills with these new expectations. More in-depth training and augmented teaching materials are part of a districtwide Math Initiative that has been in development and planning for some time. We are responsible for continuing to balance our ongoing need to improve our instruction while also generating a balanced district budget.

During May, we sought and heard feedback during districtwide community input meetings on the budget. As a result, we have modified our initial $1.7 million Math Initiative plan to $1.3 million for the 2007-08 school year. This will still provide the necessary resources at the start and during the upcoming school year, while the state continues to determine recommended materials.

People talk about different textbooks or different methods for teaching math as though some are great and some are inadequate. The key comes in how math is taught with the right knowledge and skills developed in students. We are making sure the right training, support and materials are in place to support teaching math effectively for student learning so that all students can learn math at this higher level.

Thank you again for your support of our young people in our community and for the schools in the Edmonds School District.

Nick J. Brossoit is superintendent of the Edmonds School District, serving 20,000 students from the communities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Woodway and unincorporated portions of Snohomish County.