Public Awareness – Staying Informed

A well-informed public is essential if sound decisions regarding the mathematics education of our nation’s youth are to be made. This section of the website provides information and data for educators, families, public policy makers, legislators and the public-at-large. We consider the information and data shared to be of critical importance when considering how to improve mathematics education. Articles on this page will be archived as new information is shared.

Ruth Parker: An Open Letter in Response to Questions

I have kept your email intact to respond directly to each question.  You will find all of your questions in italics, followed by my replies.  In light of your suggestion that others may have some of the same questions and my answers should be accessible to everyone who is interested, I have posted my response on MEC’s website. I apologize in advance for my lack of brevity, but the issues you raise are important, misconceptions exist, and are too great to take lightly.  I have responded to each concern you raised in order to directly address misconceptions and hopefully promote productive dialogue. Read: An Open Letter in Response to Questions

Mathematics: How are students doing?

The Report on Cross-State Comparisons on NAEP Performance provides for cross-state comparisons of student performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and allows for within state analysis. Readers will find that Washington students consistently perform near the top on national comparisons, while California students consistently perform near the bottom of the nation. This is true for every demographic group studied.

Mathematics Education: Where are we?

The Report to the National Math Panel includes a short history of the crisis in mathematics education dating back to the First International Mathematics Study in 1967, and subsequent calls, in the early 1980s, for changes in how math is taught that led to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Standards for School Mathematics (1989). The report outlines the development and evaluation of several innovative, NSF funded, mathematics programs. Finally, the current status of mathematics standards in California is reviewed including data on student achievement. 

Mathematically Sane. This website provides current information, analysis, evidence and resources related to mathematics education reform.                                                

Relevant Resources on the MEC Website:

In The Culture of Mathematics and the Culture of School Mathematics, Ruth Parker offers a look at why school mathematics needs to change. 

In Mathematically Powerful Students, Ruth Parker shares reflections on what it means to do mathematics well.