Digging Out of a Math Pit

The State Board of Education’s proposed math standards correctly emphasize a return to the basics that every California student needs to know without depending on a calculator. The fundamental skills--adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing--form the building blocks of a solid math foundation. Youngsters need to know, yes, memorize, certain facts. Of course in a more sophisticated world they need to do more; they need to be able to conceptualize and use all the technology available. But the state’s outrageously dismal math scores show that students can’t get there without the road map of basic skills.

After a proper foundation is laid, students should be challenged with tougher, more abstract and complex work, and eventually the new standards should evolve to reflect that. But the return to the basics reflects statewide frustration with students’ appalling math performance. On a recent federal assessment, California’s fourth-graders were ranked 41st out of 43 states. Clearly, what the state public schools are doing is not serving all children well.

The newer methods encourage students to figure out abstract, complex concepts from hands-on exercises with folded paper, plastic tiles, model houses and other physical props. This form of instruction is more effective, proponents say, and more fun than the old drills. But how about another little lesson for the kids? What we need to learn isn’t always fun.

The new standards will mean little unless the quality of math teaching improves. California ranks near the bottom in that regard, according to a state-by-state report card released last month. In this state, 46% of high school math teachers lack even a minor in math. Add to that the severe shortage in qualified teachers overall and the need for school districts to hire teachers who hold emergency credentials. Sacramento will soon offer the California Mathematics Teaching Challenge, which is being set up to help 3,500 teachers raise their math proficiency and improve their teaching skills. Teachers need that help.

California’s new mathematics standards, though voluntary, will greatly influence the way math is taught. Future math textbooks will be geared to the guidelines. The state’s new mandatory test will measure student achievement based on the math standards. As the bar is raised, California students will have to measure up on the basics--and beyond.