October 28, 2008
 
TO:                ACSA leadership
 
FROM:          Brett McFadden, ACSA
                      Sherry Skelly Griffith, ACSA
 
RE:     Algebra I testing mandate: Temporary restraining order issued against SBE
 
Earlier this afternoon, a temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued against the State Board of Education (SBE) from moving ahead to implement their July ruling mandating an end of course exam for Algebra I in the 8th grade.  The TRO was initiated by CSBA and ACSA in response to the SBE"s intent to adopt an implementation plan at their meeting next week.  The TRO precludes the SBE from executing further actions on this matter until a hearing to show cause on December 19.
 
ACSA and CSBA continue to advocate that the SBE violated its statutory authority when it issued its initial ruling on this matter in July.  We continue to note that our lawsuit against the SBE is NOT against algebra readiness or high academic standards.  Rather, our suit challenges the process utilized to establish this mandate on LEAs and the authority of the SBE to make it.
 
We will provide additional information when it becomes available.  In the meantime, please contact either of us for additional information on this matter.