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HB23-1231 would use data-driven tactics to improve students’ math skills
DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bipartisan bill to improve the math performance of Colorado’s students. This bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan, incorporates evidence-informed tools to help boost the math skills of students ages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Pandemic-induced learning disruptions have certainly taken their toll on our students, which is why we’re making a major investment in out-of-school programming to address and improve the math skills of all of our students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Chair of the House Education Committee, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation meets students where they are by embedding evidence-informed math practices into educator training and creating math-focused learning opportunities after school. As a former teacher, I know how important it is for students to be well-prepared for the grade ahead, and this bill works to strengthen their math performance so all of our students can thrive.”
HB23-1231, sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, passed committee unanimously. This bill invests $25.6 million to incorporate multiple evidence-informed strategies into schools, after-school programs, and educator training to improve students’ math performance. Specifically, this bill makes it easier for students to get the support they need to improve their math skills both in and out of school.
HB23-1231 permits the Colorado Department of Education to make free training available through a train-the-trainer model and technical assistance in math instruction to empower teachers to incorporate evidence-informed math education in the classrooms and identify areas of improvement for students. The bill would enable schools to send notifications to parents and caregivers if their students are underperforming or struggling in math and incorporates a train-the-parent model to increase understanding of math concepts at home.
This bill also creates a new state-based grant program focused on after-school math and STEM improvement. In addition, HB23-1231 takes a compounding approach to improve students' math skills throughout the course of their educational experiences. This includes integrating early numeracy into universal preschool quality standards and establishing a Ninth Grade Success Grant Program to help students tackle math concepts at a critical point in their education.
The House Education Committee also passed HB23-1089, sponsored by Rep. Mary Young, unanimously. This bill improves stability for youth in foster care, including students with a disability, by allowing them to attend their same school after they’ve been placed in foster care.
“Youth in our foster care system face enough uncertainty every day, and this bill offers them some stability in their routine by allowing them to attend the same school they attended before their foster care placement,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We all want our students to succeed in school and they perform best when they’re surrounded by familiar support systems. My legislation works to keep our students supported by keeping them connected to their friends, teachers, and after-school activities.”