The time is now: What schools need to bolster waning math education
(BPT) - The latest release of the Nation's Report Card (also referred to as the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP) include extremely concerning results. According to the report card for grades 4 and 8, there was no measurable change in mathematics scores in all locales compared to 2022. This data highlights significant ongoing challenges in student math achievement — challenges that must be addressed by states, districts and schools to prepare students for workforce demands of tomorrow.
"NAEP scores are a clear reflection of the challenges our education system is facing, with widening gaps between high-performing and low-performing students. The most vulnerable students are falling further behind, and this trend cannot continue," said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, board member of the National Assessment Governing Board.
How students score in mathematics is not only crucial for fields related to math, but for their overall success; recent research shows math scores are closely tied to salary at age 30, regardless of a student's background.
"Business and industry leaders across our region, and the nation, are seeking applicants with strong math, reasoning and data analysis skills," said Jack McDougle, president and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade. "Both a child's potential for success and the future health of our workforce are dependent on equipping students with the skills that math helps form and strengthen."
Call to action
The NAEP results have spurred the Collaborative for Student Success, a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and amplifying policies making a difference for students and families, to take immediate action.
"Every time our nation is faced with low results on the NAEP exam, we express shock and dismay at the state of math education in our country," said Jim Cowen, Executive Director of the Collaborative for Student Success. "But 48 hours later, the headlines fade, and little changes. This time must be different. Let's commit to concrete action to improve math achievement for all students."
Their call to action is joined by 28 organizations representing educators, business leaders and parents who are united in urging state and district leaders to implement policies that will improve math achievement for all students.
The importance of accurate assessments
Assessments like the Nation's Report Card provide useful data for schools and district leaders to understand where students stand on their path to success.
Advocates express concern that current changes in the U.S. Department of Education create the possibility of states no longer being held accountable to track and report on student progress through assessments. Bipartisan solutions are available to policymakers that help ensure all kids — especially those from under-resourced communities — have access to a high-quality math education.
Strategies for improving math education in the schools
The organizations are recommending six key strategies, backed by research and practice:
1. Expand access to high-quality instructional materials aligned to rigorous standards.
2. Provide educators with high-quality professional learning focused on effectively using instructional materials in the classroom.
3. Increase instructional time by extending learning opportunities before, during and after the school day.
4. Automatically enroll students into advanced math courses based on objective assessment results or other data.
5. Hold teacher preparation programs accountable for equipping teachers with the skills and content needed to succeed in math instruction.
6. Leverage math coaches at the school or district level to work closely with teachers to improve classroom practice and, ultimately, student math achievement.
"We also call upon local leaders to directly connect the math needs of our students to the workforce necessities of our communities," added Cowen. "There's no question that the more students that have a strong math education, the stronger our workforce will be."
Progress is possible — and already happening
The good news is many states across the country are proving that progress is within reach:
- Rhode Island and Mississippi have taken concrete steps to increase access to high-quality instructional materials in math.
- Texas, Washington and North Carolina have implemented automatic enrollment policies to ensure students are not overlooked for advanced math coursework.
- Arkansas and Massachusetts have strengthened teacher preparation programs, requiring higher standards for math instruction.
- Alabama and Colorado are offering programs and resources empowering teachers to improve instruction and extend learning beyond the classroom.
These success stories demonstrate that bipartisan action can yield real results. Now is the time for every state and district to follow their lead.
"The NAEP results are concerning — but we cannot let them be the final word. Instead, they should be the starting point for collective action," said Cowen. "Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to excel in math. It's time to move past the data and ensure that our collective actions speak louder than these numbers."
Learn more at EduProgress.org/math.
