Why Are Math Scores Falling? Unpacking the Problem

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2018 Issue

By Adam Stone

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.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

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

Education News

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

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.

Advertisement

Read More

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

bắn cá bctc trên web | pci card in pcie slot | thùng đựng đồ đa năng gấp gọn | las vegas sun hotel & casino | game đăng ký nhận 100k | vân tiny lấy kem ở đâu | penthouses cuộc chiến thượng lưu 3 tập 13 | cú đấm máu | làm thiệp chúc mừng năm mới | blv giàng a phof trực tiếp | win888 casino | biển số xe 78 | sexxy tickets 18+ event westgate las vegas resort & casino | cashanova slot | lich thi dau futsal world cup 2021 | big777 đẳng cấp game slots | đánh bài trực tuyến casino | slot hu | raging rhino casino | slot machine casino online | pragmatic play slots rtp | chơi pikachu online | jade magician slot | foxy casino review | ex là gì | casino la vida | nạp tiền betway | casino trực tuyến uy tín poseurink | mơ thấy chó con | casino philippines | ket qua net 60ngay | new pay by mobile casino | bướm số mấy | slots slots | nagaworld casino | chơi roblox miễn phí | new88 casino | những bài hát karaoke hay cho nam | devils number slot | vợ messi | video poker vs slots | phan tích xsmb | primal slot | william hill slots | vnrom bypass | casino baden restaurant | game slot đổi tiền mặt | đầu số 0127 đổi thành gì |