Improving Math with HQIM
Has a child ever asked you when they will ever use math in the real world?
You can tell them this: math is more than formulas and computations. It teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills — the very skills that help students graduate, succeed in college, build a career, and earn more over a lifetime.
Yet too many students are not getting the math instruction they need. Without clear guidance on what counts as strong, research-backed math materials, schools struggle to give every student the foundation they need.
High-quality math materials are the core resources teachers use to guide learning. They align with state standards, build deep understanding, strengthen skills, and help students apply math to real-world problems. These materials also help teachers address learning gaps step by step, ensuring students are not left behind.
The consequences of falling behind are serious. Research shows that 81 percent of students who fail a math class in sixth grade do not finish high school. U.S. students are also trailing their global peers. Only 13 percent of fourth graders reach the highest achievement level, far below students in Singapore and Japan. Students in urban, rural, and other high-need districts often spend hundreds of hours on lessons that do not match grade-level expectations, widening opportunity gaps.
Schools can close these gaps by defining and adopting strong math materials that actively engage students in learning. When districts provide teachers with the right resources, students can build conceptual understanding, develop procedural skills, and apply what they learn to real-world problems. States like Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Mexico offer models for defining and implementing these materials so districts know what works and students gain the skills they need.
Math is not just about test scores — it is about preparing students for life and the jobs of the future. By prioritizing strong instructional materials and giving teachers the tools they need, we can help every student succeed in school, college, and beyond. High-quality math instruction is an investment that pays off for students, families, and communities alike.
To improve learning outcomes for public school students through increased access to high-quality instructional materials, NSBA has curated a variety of resources to better equip school board members with the necessary knowledge and understanding to vet, adopt, and evaluate the quality of their district’s math curriculum and allocate the appropriate funding to provide high-quality professional learning experiences that prepare educators to teach the curriculum effectively.
ASBJ ARTICLES
CPE REPORTS
UPCOMING CONFERENCE SESSIONS