Getting comfortable with math

Dear reader,

Here’s one thing we know about U.S. math education: It’s not working well.

Math anxiety among early education teachers is a big topic on our minds — there’s evidence that teachers who are uncomfortable with math can inadvertently undermine their students’ math learning. At 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 20 we will host a Linkedin Live conversation , led by reporter Ariel Gilreath , featuring multiple early education experts that she interviewed for a recent article . The guests will share their perspectives on how educators can boost their confidence in math and establish a solid foundation for students. Join us next week: We want to hear what you think.

In other math related news, you’ve probably heard the phrase “science of reading,” in connection with a nationwide push for a more phonics inspired approach. Now, following staggering post-pandemic declines in math scores comes a nascent “science of math,” movement that calls for more systematic and explicit math instruction, Sharon Lurye of the Associated Press explains. ?

It’s the latest in our series “The Math Problem,”? a series by the Education Reporting Collaborative that is exploring the?math crisis ?facing schools and highlighting attempts to make up lost ground .??

In addition (pun intended), we have even more math stories and ideas for you this week. Proof Points columnist Jill Barshay delves into new research around promising math assessments, while Pamela Burdman of Just Equations argues that students deserve a chance to learn up-to-date topics like data science that reflect how math is being used in many fields and industries.?

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Main idea:?

The ‘science of reading’ swept reforms into classrooms nationwide. What about math?

Supporters say teaching practices supported by quantitative research could help students, but they are still coming into focus.

Story list:?

OPINION: Our students need up-to-date approaches to math education for a quickly changing world Data science and statistical reasoning must be part of what all students learn

This California high school includes sustainability and green jobs in its curriculum

A growing number of high schools are offering class credit for climate action

PROOF POINTS: The value of one-size-fits-all math homework

Students show long-term improvements in an ed tech study

TEACHER VOICE: It’s up to us to replace a culture of fear with a culture of trust Teachers cannot sit idly by and watch states pass laws that restrict their ability to foster critical thinking

Survey: Community college goers talk about missed career goals, whether degree was “worth it"

More than half of former community college students who enrolled with career aspirations said they did not fulfill those aspirations, survey shows

Three teaching tips from a top pre-K educator

Maryland’s 2023 teacher of the year spends time building routines and connections

COLUMN: Is A/C the new ABC? As the country gets hotter, schools need upgrades

Design innovations can keep students comfortable while also creating healthier learning places

OPINION: In an era of teacher shortages, we must embrace and develop new ways to unleash educator talent

Innovators are providing inspiration that could energize the teaching profession and transform our nation’s public schools