Is Math Education  in the U.S.  ‘Broken’?

If you haven’t already read the National Mathematics Advisory Panel report that was released this month, you may want to consider doing so. The report contains very specific recommendations for math education that affect each and every teacher of the subject in the U.S.

Among the recommendations are calls for fewer concepts but with deeper understanding at each grade level, a focus on fractions and algebra, smaller textbooks for students and increased teacher competency in the subject, supported by more professional development opportunities.

The following links provide some excellent reading material as you explore the developing events in U.S. math education.

Articles

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/13/AR2008031301492.html?referrer=emailarticle

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0314/p02s01-legn.htm

Full Report

http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf

Now is the time to stand up and be heard. Write to us here at the Chronicle at contributions@igetitmath.com to voice your opinions and concerns around this report and we will do our best to keep the dialogue going. What parts of this report do you see as positive steps? What parts (if any) concern you? Why?