Math Learning Network
EdTrust convenes a Math Learning Network of equity and civil rights organizations to explore equitable access to, and opportunities for success in, mathematics
Students are naturally curious beings, and many of the questions they ask about the world are mathematical in nature. The ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts to answer those questions, known as numeracy, should be emphasized early and nurtured throughout a child’s schooling. Numeracy provides students with a language they can apply across academic subjects and throughout various aspects of their personal and professional lives.
The math skills students gain as early as preschool may predict student achievement through age the of 15, and the math courses students take in middle school have implications for whether they graduate high school and how they perform in college and the workforce. Mathematics success is a pathway students walk from their earliest years and throughout their careers.
Many students, particularly Black and Latino students and students from low-income backgrounds, receive messages that they should step off that pathway. Sometimes, those messages are from the narratives surrounding students, inaccessibility to resources like well-trained teachers and evidence-based supports, or limits on their access to advanced classes, often because adults falsely believe they won’t be successful.
EdTrust recognizes the urgent need to ensure equitable access to math learning and the opportunities from success in mathematics. On this page, you’ll find resources, insights, and national and state level efforts for math equity. We’ve also convened equity and civil rights organizations as part of a new Math Learning Network, along with guest bloggers, to examine the current state of math education and make recommendations for how more students can succeed in math.
Photo credit: Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash
Opportunities Denied: High-Achieving Black and Latino Students Lack Access to Advanced Math
Shut Out: Why Black and Latino Students Are Under-Enrolled in AP STEM Courses
5 State Policy Recommendations Fostering STEM Aspirations for Students of Color in Middle School
NAEP 2024 Results Tell Us That It’s Time for Action
Breaking Down the Nation’s Math Scores
Automatic Enrollment Policies for Advanced Coursework
Building a Diverse & Strong Educator Workforce for Students
Anne Hyslop
Director of Policy Development, All4Ed
At All4Ed, we work to ensure all students receive the opportunities and supports they need to pursue higher education and succeed in life, regardless of their circumstances. Unfortunately, for many students, math has been a roadblock on their pathway to postsecondary, rather than a springboard — whether they struggle in key gateway courses, lack access to more rigorous, college prerequisite courses, or simply perceive themselves as “not good at” math. We’re excited to use the Learning Network to develop and advocate for evidence-based, equitable strategies to improve math pathways and student success.
Manny Cruz
Senior Policy Fellow, Latinos for Education
High quality mathematics instruction for our students is the gateway to economic mobility and careers that drive meaningful impact. At Latinos for Education, we believe our children possess immense, untapped brilliance in mathematics, and this network allows us to accelerate progress in unlocking their full potential. Together, we can ensure that Latino students and all students have the opportunities and support they need to thrive in math and beyond.
Dr. Julie Fitz
Researcher at the Learning Policy Institute
Students in the U.S. experience tremendous disparities in their opportunities to learn and succeed in mathematics. Many of the barriers to student learning are systemic — in particular, inequitable access to well-prepared mathematics teachers, high-quality curriculum, and advanced coursework — and require work across multiple levels of policy to address. As part of the Math Learning Network, I hope to connect and collaborate with members of peer organizations who share the Learning Policy Institute’s commitment to advancing policy improvements that will create more equitable mathematics learning opportunities for each and every child.
Alycia Hardy
Vice President of Policy & Research, National Black Child Development Institute
Math is a critical component of Black children’s early learning journey. NBCDI is excited to engage in math policy to ensure equitable and affirming learning experiences, materials, and pedagogy. We are working to advance math policy that enables curriculum and teaching practices that are exciting, engaging, and reflective of the diverse experiences and culture of Black children and families.
Amelia Malone, PhD
Independent Consultant, National Center for Learning Disabilities
Effective math policy is critical for ensuring students have equitable access to high-quality instruction and the tools necessary to succeed in advanced coursework. Math intervention is my area of focus, and I am excited to continue advocating for policies that focus on prevention, early intervention, frequent progress monitoring, and evidence-based instruction.
Adenike Huggins
Senior Director, Education Policy and Advocacy, National Urban League
Getting math policy right is imperative to ensure that every student is ready for college, work, and life. The levers for excellence in math continue to be shrouded in mystery which is why we are excited to continue learning together and deepening our mathematical thinking.
Leanne Ryder
Director of Education Programs, UnidosUS
Math policy is important to UnidosUS because Latinos, and particularly Latinas, are significantly under-represented in STEM fields and careers. Closing this gap will lead to positive economic outcomes and greater social mobility for Latino students. We are excited to work as a part of a group of advocates pushing for high-quality, culturally and linguistically relevant, instructional materials.
Lina Lenis
K-12 Education Policy Analyst, UnidosUS
Recent data shows that, while students are generally recovering from pandemic learning loss in math, Latino students are making little to no progress. I’m excited to be part of the Math Learning Network to explore ways to better serve Latino students and advocate for increased access to advanced math coursework and quality instructional materials. We must address these disparities now to ensure this generation of Latino students doesn’t miss out on the economic and social benefits of a quality math education.
Ariel Taylor Smith
Senior Director of the NPU Center for Policy and Action, National Parents Union