Elementary schools may get more math funding

State senators advanced a bill Tuesday aimed at bolstering math programs in the late elementary-school grades.

Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, is the bill's sponsor. He is asking for $18 million that would be given to public and charter schools in the form of grants for the Elementary Mathematics Initiative in fourth, fifth and sixth grade.

Bell said a student's understanding of math in sixth grade is a strong predictor of future academic success. The bill would help lay a better foundation for advanced learning in math, science and engineering, he said.

The funding would go to professional development programs, providing intervention resources for struggling students and improving assessments. Districts would submit plans for implementation and monitoring progress.