Higher math standard means more funding

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas Board of Education has approved new math standards for schools statewide — but only if the Legislature provides funding for new books to help students cope with tougher curriculums.

The board's move Friday must still be formally approved during its next meeting in April.

But it could potentially pressure state lawmakers to approve funding for new books and other key classroom materials before Texas can demand more from its students.

New math curriculum standards from kindergarten through eighth grade will take effect for the 2014-2015 school year when new books are available.

They will take effect in 2015-2016 for grades nine through 12 when those books are ready.

The cost of new K-12 math materials would be roughly an estimated $400 million.