National Mathematics Advisory Panel Final Report

This week the final report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel was released. (See link on this page.) The dominant theme of this report is to put “first things first:” which includes streamlining mathematics curriculum in Grades PreK–8 and emphasizing a "well-defined set of the most critical topics in the early grades"; blending research-based instructional approaches to building conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and automatic recall of facts and balancing teacher-centered and student-centered approaches; rigorously evaluating initiatives to attract and prepare prospective mathematics teachers and retain effective teachers; and improving the quality of NAEP and state assessments, placing increased emphasis on the most critical knowledge and skills leading to Algebra. The report clearly identifies a path to prepare students for introductory algebra and advanced math: students should become proficient with whole numbers, fractions, and aspects of geometry and measurement.