The Bottom Line

  • The new math standards and grade-by-grade core curriculum introduced more advanced content into the lower grades.

  • For example, some algebra and geometry content that had been in grades 5-8 moved to grade 4.

  • Some algebra and geometry content that had been in high school math moved to grade 8.

  • The revised math tests in grades 4 and 8 are more difficult. Therefore, it is not possible to make direct comparisons between 1999-2005 math results in grades 4 and 8 and 2006 math results in grades 4 and 8.