Science of Math

Why is the Science of Math needed?

Access to learning math is a basic educational right. Currently, the majority of students in the U.S. do not meet minimum levels of math proficiency,3 which means too many K-12 students are not benefiting from their math education.

State-level data are consistent with more than half of all students in every state in Grade 4 scoring below proficient in 2022 (range across states = 56 to 81% nonproficient).

" ..opportunity gaps are apparent by race and socioeconomic, disability, and language status and these gaps have remained stable and unimproved for the last decade according to the most recent data from 2019"

"In Grade 8, the percentage of students scoring below proficient differed by race/ethnicity" 2

2: (2) VanDerHeyden, A. M., & Peltier, C. J. (2023). Best practices in school applications of the science of math. In P. Harrison, S. Proctor, & J. Grimes (Eds.). Best Practices in School Psychology, 7th Edition, Volume 2 (pp. 253-264). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Economic Indicator (Free/Reduced Meals)

At Grade 8, 82% of National School Lunch Program students scored below proficient, compared to 52% of students not in the Lunch Program

Disabilities

At Grade 4, 83% of students with disabilities scored below proficient. At Grade 8, 91% of students with disabilities scored below proficient

English as a Second Language

At Grade 4, 84% of English learners scored below proficient. In Grade 8, 95% of English learners scored nonproficient. In Grade 12, 97% of English learners scored nonproficient.