FSUSD math steering committee recommends return to Algebra 1'Geometry'Algebra 2 pathway and rolls out materials pilot

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District staff recommended a district-level shift in the high school math pathway and a pilot of new instructional materials aligned to the California mathematics framework.

Dr. Ferrar (presentation lead) described the steering committee's process and said the committee recommended returning to a traditional Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 sequence at the high school level after reviewing research, district data and post-secondary alignment. The recommendation includes transition planning, reconfiguration of middle-school accelerated options and possible high-school acceleration pathways.

Jen Rausch described the materials pilot process: more than 60 teachers across TK'12 are participating as pilot teachers; pilot classrooms will evaluate state-adopted materials using CDE rubrics, conduct student surveys (the committee reported 1,400 student responses so far), and analyze student work and data. Rausch told the board final recommendations will go to Curriculum Council and then to the board, with potential implementation in August 2026 if approved.

Trustees asked for examples from neighboring districts and for qualitative feedback on transitions where other districts had already shifted pathways; staff said they had consulted county partners and external advisors. The board received the update as an information item and staff said they will return in January with course proposals and further materials decisions.

What comes next: January course proposals for alignment to the recommended pathway, pilot classroom evaluations and a final materials recommendation before the end of the school year for an August 2026 rollout if approved.