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California's math scores are abysmal. Is it time to screen kindergartners for basic math skills?
State

California's math scores are abysmal. Is it time to screen kindergartners for basic math skills?

  • By CAROLYN JONES/CalMatters

California is considering a new bill to change how math is taught in schools. Senate Bill 1067 would require screening for basic math skills in kindergartners, first-, and second-graders. The goal is to help students who are behind catch up to their peers. Amy Cooper from EdVoice says early math skills predict later success in school. California students have struggled in math, with only 37% performing at grade level last year. The bill has support from some educators but faces opposition from groups like the California Teachers Association, who argue existing frameworks are sufficient.

What's Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more
National

What's Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more

  • By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press

College students, rocket scientists and math enthusiasts around the world are celebrating Pi Day. The holiday on March 14 — or 3/14 — correlates to the first three digits of the infinite number. It's also Albert Einstein's birthday, making the pie eaten at Pi Day gatherings all the sweeter. Pi is a mathematical constant that expresses the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It is part of many formulas useful in physics, astronomy, engineering and other fields, dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and Babylon. Across the country, many events now take place on college campuses.