New Legislation Aims to Solve DC’s Math Problem

Education Reform Now DC Supports Bill to Address the Math Proficiency Crisis, Promising Comprehensive Overhauls and Expert-Led Solutions 

Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2024) — Today, Jessica Giles, executive director at Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC), issued a statement on the "Mathematics Education Improvement Amendment Act of 2024," introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker. The bill establishes a Mathematics Education Task Force to overhaul math education for students in grades K-12 in the District of Columbia, consisting of local and national experts and representatives from various educational bodies, and will convene every four weeks until it submits a required report by June 15, 2025.

The task force's report will outline actionable areas to improve math instruction and achievement, including recommending high-quality teaching materials, creating a state catalog of professional development resources, producing a list of approved curricula, and suggesting intensive training for school leaders. It will also recommend strategies to support parents, suggest systems for assisting students who are below grade level, and provide guidance on the allocation of funding and resources to implement these strategies.

“I am thrilled to see the Mathematics Education Improvement Amendment Act of 2024 move forward, especially as we face the grim reality that more than three out of four of our students are currently underperforming in mathematics. This bill is a critical first step towards addressing this issue by assembling a task force of experts dedicated to improving our math education framework,” said Jessica Giles, executive director of Education Reform Now DC. “Our children deserve the highest standard of education to prepare them for successful futures, and this bill lays down the foundation to achieve just that.”

 
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About Education Reform Now D.C. 
ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.