Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Voices Support for High-Quality Math Instruction
We proudly released a public statement backing the California State Board of Education’s vote to approve a vetted list of high-quality math instructional materials for use across the state. This move marks meaningful progress toward building a stronger future workforce, ensuring students gain the math skills needed to thrive in fast-growing industries like healthcare, construction, and advanced technology.
See our statement below:
November 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Suzanne Singh, Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs
Santa Maria Valley Chamber
suzanne@santamaria.com
Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Voices Support for High-Quality Math Instruction
[SANTA MARIA, CA. November 25, 2025]
As advocates and supporters of business leaders across the Golden State, we applaud recent
action by the California State Board of Education to help better prepare our students for the
demands of the future workforce. Putting forward an updated and vetted list of rigorous
classroom mathematics materials not just prepares our youth for higher-paying jobs, it fuels
innovation and strengthens the economic backbone of communities across California.
From healthcare to construction to advanced technology, math skills are essential to nearly
every fast-growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationally, STEM-related
careers are expected to grow 3.5 times faster than non-STEM jobs, with median salaries more
than double the national average. If California’s students are going to power the next generation
of innovation, its classrooms must equip them with the math skills they need to succeed.
This is the first time in 10 years California school districts have the opportunity to adopt new
high-quality math materials. Using high-quality curriculum (defined as being aligned to state
standards, supporting multilingual learners, and including clear guidance for teachers) is key to
students’ academic success and is 40 times more cost-effective than class-size reduction in
improving student outcomes.
For too long, California’s education system left teachers without clear guidance, parents without
confidence in their schools, and communities without the skilled workforce they need to grow
and thrive. The State Board’s leadership is changing that. By adopting a revised Mathematics
Curriculum Framework in 2023 and now advancing a vetted list of instructional materials,
California is working to ensure that classroom materials are supportive of all students.
This vote is a crucial step, but it’s only the beginning. While the materials on the list have
been deemed as the best currently on the market – local school boards are not compelled to
adopt from this list, nor will they be provided any financial incentives to do so.
On behalf of Santa Maria Valley Chambers of Commerce, we urge local school leaders to
select materials off the state vetted list that best meets the needs of their local context, so that every student can build the math skills they’ll need for success in the workforce and in life.