Student performance on DC’s annual math assessments showed slight improvement over the past year, but achievement has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. In discussions with school leaders, a common concern that continues to emerge is how best to support students and teachers in mathematics. Many express uncertainties about how to tackle this challenge effectively, a trend mirrored across the country.
“Math education is the cornerstone of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, playing a critical role in understanding and thriving in our technologically driven world, yet post-pandemic results reveal a concerning gap, with students 6-12 months behind pre-2020 averages,” said Josh Boots, executive director of EmpowerK12. “To reach our desired goals and equip the next generation with essential quantitative abilities, we need urgent and sustained efforts to improve math instruction, leverage innovative teaching methods, and provide targeted interventions for teachers and students that accelerate mathematical literacy.”
In response, local grantees and city leaders are collaborating to address these challenges and position DC as a model for excellence in math education, ensuring students are set up for long-term success. Earlier this year, Ed Forward DC grantees EmpowerK12 and the DC Education Research Collaborative, as well as the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, brought together more than 225 teachers, school leaders, researchers, and funders for the inaugural DC Math Summit, facilitated with support from Ed Forward DC.
The summit examined national and local research on math programs and celebrated several DC schools demonstrating exceptional success in supporting math education, as highlighted in EmpowerK12’s 2024 DC Math Report. Attendees gained valuable insights from instructional leadership teams and educators at public schools in DC who have made notable strides in improving students’ math outcomes.
The event also featured teacher-focused workshops, offering strategies for accelerating the recovery of math education for DC students.
Additionally, the summit marked the launch of the DC Math Hub, a growing coalition of DC education agencies and researchers. This collaborative effort, housed within the DC Educational Research Collaborative, will work with the city’s 69 school networks (DCPS and all public charter schools) to collect, analyze, and apply data-driven insights on how students best learn and master mathematical skills.
“Math is an incredibly important focus for our public schools as we continue to accelerate our recovery,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “The DC Math Summit – and the ongoing work of the DC Math Hub – represent the best of our collaborative city and our united approach to identify, measure, and double-down on what will strengthen math learning.”
For more information visit dcmathhub.org and support Ed Forward DC’s investments in an equitable recovery by donating today!
