Republican-led State Setting an Example for Teaching Math

Newsweek

2 days ago

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Alabama was the only state to earn a "Strong" rating its math education in a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality released Tuesday.
The state, which has historically leaned red, achieved a strong rating across five core policy areas.
Why It Matters
Historically, Republican-leaning poor states have suffered from reduced education funding and teacher gaps, leading to lower scores and educational quality.
In previous years, Alabama ranked near the bottom of all states, so the new report shows significant progress in public school classrooms.
University of Alabama graduates wait to hear President Donald Trump deliver remarks at Coleman Coliseum on May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa.
University of Alabama graduates wait to hear President Donald Trump deliver remarks at Coleman Coliseum on May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa.What To Know
Alabama earned a rating of "Strong" in the following five areas, according to the report:
Set specific, detailed math standards for teacher preparation programs. Review teacher preparation programs to ensure they provide robust math instruction. Adopt a strong elementary math licensure test, and require all elementary candidates to pass it. Require districts to select high-quality math curricula aligned to state standards. Provide professional learning and ongoing support for teachers aligned with high-quality math curricula.
When accounting for socioeconomic conditions, Alabama ranks 12th in the nation, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality, after placing 32nd last year.
"Without a doubt, Alabama's leadership played a major role in putting the state on top. State Superintendent Dr. Mackey set a bold vision for Alabama, set high-quality, Alabama-specific math standards, and worked with legislative champions to take a comprehensive approach," Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, told Newsweek.
Higher math scores are generally linked to college opportunities and more lucrative careers. Despite this, one in four fourth-graders nationally cannot do math at a basic level, the report found.
Last week, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the state's Pre-K through 3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3) would be implemented in 55 new classrooms. That means classrooms will get more funding, potentially leading to higher achievement.
Earlier this year, Alabama's fourth-graders experienced the largest average score increase from 2019 to 2024. The state's ranking grew from 40th two years ago to 32nd despite being last in the nation in 2019, according to Alabama Daily News.
Nationwide, only 12 states and the District of Columbia used a "strong" or "acceptable" math licensure test and required all elementary teachers to pass it. The state were: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming.
According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the U.S. ranked 34th in math among 78 participating countries in 2022.
What People Are Saying
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, in a statement: "Each year, Alabama's P-3 approach continues to build momentum and grow to provide a smooth transition from pre-K to third grade. Strong students lead to a strong Alabama, and these learning efforts will ensure we continue to strengthen our schools and provide the best education for all students."
Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, told Newsweek: "Strong math skills add up to better reading scores, stronger college readiness, and eventually higher earnings for students. If states want their students to succeed, they can take a page out of Alabama's playbook for better preparing and supporting our elementary teachers in math instruction."
Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, in a statement: "You can't improve math outcomes by focusing on just one piece. Real progress happens when your standards, assessments, instructional materials, coaching, and teacher preparation all point in the same direction. Alignment isn't the finish line—it's the starting point."
What Happens Next
On a larger scale, Alabama may lead as an example for how other states can improve their public schools.
"Empowering teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach math effectively is essential for improving life outcomes for all children," Peske said. "If we want students to succeed, we need to invest in better preparation and support for great math instruction."