Why Math Skills Are Declining, and Why the Solution Starts With Teachers
Math proficiency in the United States has been sliding for years. In 2024, only 22% of U.S. 12th graders scored Proficient or above in math on the Nation's Report Card, and 45% scored below Basic (NAEP 2024).
As the owner of Math Accelerator, I've worked with hundreds of children over the past 13+ years, and I've watched this shift happen in front of me. The causes are not a mystery, and neither is the solution.
Five reasons math skills are declining
There are many factors contributing to the decline in math proficiency. Here are a few I've seen firsthand.
1. Introducing calculators too early
Many schools allow students to use calculators on exams as early as fifth or sixth grade, when they are still learning many fundamental math concepts. As a result, students may not develop a solid understanding of basic math facts and skills because they can rely on calculators instead.
2. Rising math anxiety and declining academic accountability
Math anxiety is increasing, partly because of weak foundations and the "no child left behind" approach, in which students are promoted to the next grade whether or not they have mastered the necessary skills. The growing number of students with IEPs also raises questions about whether schools have sufficient resources and support systems to meet diverse learning needs.
3. Teacher shortages
Many schools are facing teacher shortages, forcing them to rely on substitute teachers who may not be required or adequately prepared to provide consistent instruction. The shortage has also led to more teachers being placed in classrooms without sufficient qualifications or subject-specific expertise.
4. How Common Core math is implemented
The Common Core math curriculum is not necessarily bad. The problem often lies in how it is taught. Many teachers are not adequately trained to explain mathematical concepts clearly or to use effective instructional approaches. In elementary schools, math is often taught by general classroom teachers rather than educators with specialized math expertise, and some teachers struggle with the very concepts they are expected to teach.
5. Declining student focus and classroom discipline
Since COVID-19, many students have struggled to stay focused in the classroom. Teachers often have their hands tied when it comes to managing behavior and maintaining discipline. As a result, students can sometimes overpower teachers, especially in larger classrooms, making effective instruction and meaningful learning increasingly difficult.
There is a simple solution, but politics are preventing us from implementing it.
The solution: train and support our teachers
Almost every factor above leads back to the classroom. Teachers are being asked to teach concepts they were never fully trained to explain, to manage larger and more challenging classes, and to fill gaps left by shortages, often without the support they need.
When teachers understand the math deeply and know how to teach it, everything changes. Students build real foundations. Calculators become a tool instead of a crutch. Anxiety drops because students actually understand what they're doing. And test scores start to reflect true understanding rather than calculator skills.
That's why I want to bring what Math Accelerator has refined over 13+ years beyond our own centers and into schools: practical teacher training and support, plus clear ways to measure student progress, so more children can benefit, not only those whose families can afford outside help.
Partner With Us
If you're a principal, superintendent, district leader, or teacher, I'd love to talk about how Math Accelerator can support your teachers and help your students build the strong math foundations they need for the SAT, for college, and beyond.
Parents: if you think your child's school could benefit, please share this post with your principal or PTA.
To discuss a school partnership, call Math Accelerator at (856) 242-9128 or fill out our contact form.
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