Why Are Math Scores Falling? Unpacking the Problem

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Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2018 Issue

There are indications that student math scores are slipping. Although the picture isn’t entirely clear, and while the situation is far from calamitous, it’s evident that at least some students are having a hard time making the numbers add up when it comes to standardized math assessments.

Educators point to a number of reasons why the trend lines may be pointing downward. The issue may lie at least in part with the tests themselves: perhaps classroom work hasn’t caught up to changing assessments and evolving expectations.

Others suggest the problem may be inherent to the subject matter. “Learning math is really hard,” says Dr. Kevin R. Chandler, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Head of the Math Lab at Beacon College in Leesburg, FL.

“To do a simple addition problem such as two plus five, a student must first know what both two and five mean, what it means to add, and the meaning of equality,” he says. “They must be able to understand how the numbers relate to each other and how the mathematical process of adding works. They then have to apply this knowledge and understanding to determine the correct answer. We then give the student a story problem which requires two other higher-order thinking skills: analysis and synthesis. That is expecting a lot of a child.”

How hard is it, really? To get a sense of where the issues may lie, we’ll take a look at some recent news about math scores, and then dive into a range of suggested solutions from educators.

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Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

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Adam Stone
Adam Stone
Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.

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