Why did California target specific grade spans?
In mathematics, the content in grades three through Algebra I prepares students to meet the Algebra I graduation requirement and to succeed on the mathematics section of the California High School Exit Exam. In science, the span begins in grade three because students must prepare for a fifth grade standards-based science test as well as the middle grades NCLB core knowledge science assessment. Additionally, students’ success in high school science and mathematics is built on foundational courses in the selected grade spans.
