The United States has hit an all-time new low on math achievement; first graders need to explain their math thinking; and middle school math data must be used in new ways to boost state test scores, according to report cited in an eSchool News article.
Academic achievement has been in steady decline since 2013 in the U.S. Findings from the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) global assessment found the U.S. hitting an all-time new low on math achievement — and one of the widest gender gaps, with boys outperforming girls by 24 points.
The Center for American Progress report explores underlying causes behind declining math skills and offers solutions to improve math outcomes. Five key recommendations from the analysis:
1) Strengthen accountability and aligning benchmarks across early childhood and elementary and middle schools to guarantee all students complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade.
2) Improve math instruction to boost student engagement and understanding through standards-aligned curricula across grades, instructional math coaches and hands-on tools and project-based learning.
3) Enhance teacher preparation in mathematics and address the teacher shortage of high-quality math teachers by expanding tuition grants, building accelerated pathways for STEM professionals, and encouraging stronger retention.
4) Scale the use of universal numeracy screenings and other proven interventions such as high-dosage tutoring and extended learning time.
5) Fund interdisciplinary research to connect K-12 math skills with artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and tech advancements to prepare for an AI-driven economy.
“Recent assessments suggest a chronic, worsening math achievement gap that will require urgent action to offset,” says Weadé James, senior director for K-12 Education Policy at CAP and coauthor of the report.
“While policymakers and education leaders have advanced reading instruction, improving math instruction has received less attention—despite the fact that success in math improves future economic mobility and success in the workforce,” says Paige Shoemaker DeMio, senior policy analyst for K-12 Education Policy at CAP and coauthor of the report.
eSchool News
