How-to-Study Blog

Math scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress continue to remain sluggish. On the most recent test, just 39% of fourth graders and 34% of eighth graders scored at or above the proficient level. The distressing fact is that math achievement grew faster before No Child Left Behind than since this law was enacted. The score gaps between white and minority students show no signs of diminishing.

There are many factors that may account for the lack of progress. Whatever the factors, the sad truth is that many of our students’ math skills are not where they should be. Some may blame the economy, others may blame poor teaching. Whatever, this situation must be fixed if we are to compete in today’s increasingly technological world.