National Mathematics Advisory Panel “Scientifically Based Research”

On March 13 the National Mathematics Advisory Panel released its final report. The panel, created by President Bush in April 2006, was charged with making recommendations to the President and the Secretary on the best use of scientifically based research to advance the teaching and learning of mathematics, with a specific focus on preparation for and success in algebra (grades PK-8). Why algebra? It is a “demonstrable gateway to later achievement,” needed for higher math in high school. Also, completion of Algebra II correlates significantly with success in college and future earnings. Panelists, including mathematicians, cognitive psychologists, and educators, held 12 meetings across the country (receiving testimony from 200 individuals and 150 organizations), reviewed 16,000 studies, and scrutinized surveys from 743 algebra teachers. The result is 45 findings and recommendations on a range of items, including instructional practices, materials, assessments, and teacher professional developmentA key recommendation in the report states more students should be prepared for and offered an “authentic” algebra course in the eighth-grade. The major topics of school algebra include symbols and expressions, linear equations, quadratic equations, functions, polynomials, and combinatorics and finite probability. Currently we offer a few sections of grade eight algebra – what will it take in Fall River to address the Panel’s recommendation?.

Posted 03/24/08 Meg Mayo Brown, Assistant Superintendent