Ten Things You Need to Know About the Findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

  1. The key to mathematics learning is a coherent progression of skills.
  2. Key foundations for learning include facility with fractions, knowledge of the number line and an understanding of the importance of estimation.
  3. Lessons in mathematics should simultaneously develop conceptual understanding, computational fluency and problem solving skills.
  4. Student effort matters.
  5. Spatial visualization helps students grasp the concept of a number.
  6. Textbooks should not have distracting photos or language that detract from the mathematics lessons.
  7. Formative assessment works.
  8. Many children come to their first years of school unprepared. The level of math knowledge they bring to school affects their math schooling for years to come. Intervention programs are important in the early years to eliminate this gap.
  9. Computational proficiency with whole number operations requires practice so that students develop automatic recall.
  10. Programs that target social, affective and motivational factors in students can help math performance.

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel was formed by Executive Order in April 2006 to advise the President and the Secretary of Education on the best use of scientifically based research to advance the teaching and learning of mathematics, with specific focus on preparation for and success in Algebra. In the March 2008 final report, Foundations for Success: Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, the panel “identified” 10 key principles from the brain and learning research that MIND has used over the last decade to craft our educational tools and courseware. Dr. Matthew Peterson, MIND co-founder and Chief Technical Officer, who was selected to give the opening testimony on math instructional software, representing the Software Information and Industry Association and MIND Research said, “I have closely followed the work of the Panel, and I was pleased to present to them the rationale and results of our work in applying instructional software to help solve the nation’s math problem. I’m impressed with their attention to high-quality research and particularly their attention to learning processes. MIND has demonstrated during the past two decades a new paradigm for how children can learn math, and how to create effective tools and training programs for teachers. It is very reinforcing to see how well we align with the Panel’s recommendations.”

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Articles about the National Math Advisory Panel