BESE approves ELA and math standards-review committees, steering committee membership

BESE members approved the membership slate March 11 for a standards-review process for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, including a 15-member steering committee and separate K–12 content work groups for each subject.

Jenna Chasson said the application process drew nearly 700 applicants and that selections prioritized teaching experience, content expertise, geographic distribution and demographic representation. The committee goals presented to BESE include strengthening foundational skill progressions, aligning ELA standards to the science of reading, and identifying relevant high-school mathematics pathways that emphasize logic and reasoning.

The department said the steering committee will receive work-group outputs and guide the overall process; several candidates selected for the content work groups carry preference points and will also serve on the steering committee. BESE members urged the department to ensure committee materials include each member’s district and content area; Chasson agreed to provide that information.

Why it matters: changes to statewide content standards affect curriculum, teacher training, and textbooks over multiple years. Board members emphasized including career-pathway relevance and contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence and work-based learning in deliberations.

Ending: The committee vote to approve membership carried with no objections; the department will proceed with the review process and report back to BESE as milestones are reached.