Math Initiatives in the U.S.

In 2007 the National Mathematics Advisory Panel presented an argument to the President of the United States about the dismal quality of math education in America. They argued that teachers weren't teaching math at the level needed to teach students what they needed to compete in the 21st century. This launched a series of math and science initiatives to get the U.S. "up to date".

Are the programs working?

For many states these Math Initiatives are still underway, however national research shows that since 1990 math test scores have greatly improved. The number of students proficient in math has more than doubled since 1990. Does that mean the Math Initiatives are working? Maybe more students are going to school now and taking these tests skewing the statistics in the nations favor.

What about the falling interest in math and science careers? Many students have negative things to say about their experiences with math and science. According to education experts this is an attitude is learned from a few bad experiences in the very beginning of math and science education.

With other nations taking great care to instill a love of math and science in their young ones, is the math initiative wave of 2007 too little too late?