Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D., is a Senior Policy Fellow for ExcelinEd focusing on school accountability and math policies.
For much of the 20th century, students in the U.S. were strong in math. But with trending declines in performance on international and national measures, we’ve relinquished our mathematical prowess. That’s alarming. Success in math is imperative for all students. It gives them college and career options, increases prospects for future income and improves outcomes later in life.
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes. But stronger math policies are the right place to start. ExcelinEd has developed a comprehensive K-8 mathematics strategy to guide state leaders toward improvement. Components include daily math instruction with high quality content and instructional materials; support for teachers; assessments and parent notification; interventions; and resources for families and caregivers. Guidance from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel serves as the basis for ExcelinEd’s new K-8 Math Policy and Fundamental Principles. These policy solutions provide the foundation to ensure all students are prepared to succeed in algebra, a critical math subject.
There’s a social component that needs changing, too. Students saying, “I’m not a numbers person” or “I’m bad at math” needs to be a thing of the past. Everyone can do math! We must build a classroom culture where being good at math is about effort to learn the subject, not an inherent talent. And as a society, we must dismiss weak achievement in math as being “okay.” It’s certainly not. Students don’t deserve to be shut out from great jobs and great careers because it was okay to give up on math early in life.
ExcelinEd is ready to assist state leaders in reversing our nation’s math trends. Take a look at our new comprehensive K-8 Math Policy and Fundamental Principles, grounded in the National Mathematics Advisory Panel findings. It all adds up to this: Success in math matters, and every student deserves the opportunities and successes it can provide.
