FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org
Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2024) — A new poll surveying 325 parents of DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC public charter school students reveals a strong desire to overhaul math education. An overwhelming 87% of respondents agree that Mayor Bowser and the DC Council must prioritize investments in improving math education.
Additional key findings:
- 79% of parents ranked math as the most important subject their children take among nine academic subject options presented, including 81% of Black parents and 73% of Latino parents.
- 89% say they believe anyone can become a “math person” with the right teaching methods and support.
- 70% would like to see a math innovation and research hub to improve the quality of their child’s math education through evidence-based solutions led by a task force.
- Two out of eight ideas most picked for improving math education by parents were “making math education better apply to the real world” (49%) and “making math education more relevant to student interests” (34%).
- 66% of parents want their children to receive extra math tutoring at school.
“Math is integral for students’ success in life, school, and career. Yet last year, 78% of DC public school students did not meet expectations in math. This statistic is grim yet solvable. When you add high-quality teaching plus the right kinds of support for students and families, you get confident students ready to take on the world,” said Jessica Giles, executive director at Education Reform Now D.C. “We are calling on the Mayor and Council to solve DC’s math problem by developing a statewide strategy implementing evidence-based, proven practices and supports.”
“Parents feel strongly that the city should invest in improving math education,” said Josh Boots, executive director of EmpowerK12. “Building upon these survey findings, EmpowerK12 will release a report that identifies where investments will have the greatest impact.”
In school year 2022-23, 78 percent of DC public students did not meet grade level expectations, down from 81 percent in school year 2021-22. Despite these worsening trends, math education has received little policy attention from city leaders.
EmpowerK12’s report will be released on March 14, 2024, and highlights five key evidence-based practices observed in 36 District schools that have demonstrated notable growth in math.
For the survey results memo, visit here, and for full results, visit here.
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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.