America’s education system faces a growing challenge – a math literacy crisis among students. Now, this may not seem like a headline-grabbing issue, but the impact of this crisis is far-reaching. From struggling students to a weak national economy, the effects of poor math skills are becoming increasingly evident. Middle school math teacher and EdSurge Voices of Change fellow, Gene Fashaw, has made it his mission to address this crisis and make a difference in the lives of young learners.
In a recent interview, Fashaw shared his thoughts on the state of math education in America. He believes that the root cause of the math literacy crisis can be traced back to a lack of emphasis on building a strong math foundation at the elementary level. “Math is like a language, and if you don’t have a good grasp of the basics, you will struggle with more complex concepts,” he says. Fashaw is not alone in his opinion; many educators and experts agree that a solid understanding of fundamental math concepts is crucial for success in higher-level math courses.
So, what exactly is the crisis? According to a 2019 report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 21% of eighth-graders in the United States are proficient in math. This means that a staggering 79% of middle schoolers are not meeting the minimum standards for math competency. The report also stated that the achievement gap between white and non-white students has widened in the past decade. These numbers are alarming, to say the least, and demand immediate attention.
But the question remains – how do we address the math literacy crisis? In Fashaw’s opinion, it starts with changing the traditional approach to teaching math. “We need to move away from just memorizing formulas and instead focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” he says. Fashaw believes that the key to improving math proficiency lies in making the subject more engaging and relevant to students’ lives.
As a teacher, Fashaw has implemented this approach in his own classroom with positive results. He uses real-life examples and incorporates technology to make math more interactive and fun for his students. “When students see how math is applicable in their everyday lives, they become more interested and motivated to learn,” he says. Fashaw’s students have shown significant improvement in their math skills and have even expressed a newfound love for the subject.
However, Fashaw acknowledges that change cannot happen overnight and that it requires a collaborative effort. The responsibility of improving math education falls not only on teachers but also on parents, policymakers, and the community as a whole. “We need to work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help,” he says.
Fashaw’s dedication to improving math education has been recognized and supported by organizations such as EdSurge. In 2020, he was selected as a Voices of Change fellow, a program that recognizes educators who are making a positive impact on education. Through this program, Fashaw hopes to continue his work in promoting math literacy and inspiring other educators to join the cause.
The math literacy crisis is not just an educational issue; it has larger implications for society. The lack of strong math skills limits career opportunities for students and can lead to a weak economy. Fashaw believes that solving this crisis is crucial for the future of our country. “Math is the language of the future, and we need to equip our students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly mathematical world,” he says.
In conclusion, the math literacy crisis in America is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. Gene Fashaw’s efforts are just one step towards addressing this crisis, but they serve as an inspiration for others to join the movement. By changing the way we approach math education and working together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our students and our nation. As Fashaw says, “With the right tools and mindset, every student can excel in math.” It’s time to take action and make that a reality.
