According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Academic Year 2009 assessment of eighth grade math scores in the United States along yielded troubling results. After repeated warnings of a math crisis for the last several decades, mathematics have actually become significantly easier for American students. The results for 8th grade math scores resulted in an average score of 248 out of 500, with a drop of 3 points from the 2005 scores and 10 points from the 1990 scores. This is a concern for the U.S. education system, which has been rapidly losing ground to other nations in terms of math performance. According to the Department of Education more than 1 out of every 5 eighth graders in the United States fails to meet the basic standards of math fluency and competency.
The two primary causes of this downward trend in math scores are inadequate teaching methods and the lack of properly trained educators in the field of math. For example, many teachers are using outdated textbooks and teaching materials, and many classrooms are not set up to properly accommodate modern teaching styles. Furthermore, many teachers are ill equipped to properly utilize technology in the classroom, leaving students without a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, there is a dramatic shortage in qualified math teachers, a trend that the Department of Education is making a concerted effort to resolve. Without proper training, many teachers are not able to provide their students with the necessary tools to become competent in the subject.
The solution to this problem is to provide students with better teaching methods and materials. Improving the physical environment of the classroom, such as installing computers and other technology, can create a more stimulating and effective learning experience. Furthermore, teachers need to utilize modern teaching methods, such as inquiry-based learning and cooperative learning approaches, to give students an engaging and comprehensive math education. Additionally, the Department of Education should increase its efforts to recruit, train, and retain highly qualified math teachers. This will ensure that students have the support and resources they need to excel in the subject.
Ultimately, it is clear that the current state of math education in the United States is in need of immediate improvement. If action is not taken to resolve the issue, the trend of stagnant math scores may continue, leaving Americas students unprepared to compete globally. It is essential that educators and policymakers take decisive action to ensure that all students have access to quality resources, effective teaching, and a stimulating environment. The future of math education in the United States will depend on the implementation of these changes.
