Alabama’s Unique Approach to Math Education: A Post-Pandemic Success Story
In the wake of the pandemic, math proficiency among students has declined in nearly every state. However, Alabama stands out as a remarkable exception, with fourth-grade math scores exceeding those from 2019. What strategies have driven this success?
Five years ago, educational systems were disrupted nationwide. Current data from the Nation’s Report Card indicates that students, on average, have yet to recover in math achievement. Yet, Alabama has managed to buck this trend. NPR’s Cory Turner explores how Alabama has managed to thrive amidst challenges.
Deep in the rural landscapes of DeKalb County, Alabama, a transformation is underway. Nestled near Lookout Mountain, this community predominantly comprises students from lower-income families. In contrast to many regions where math scores dipped during the pandemic, DeKalb’s scores rose. A swift return to in-person classes played a role, but the district’s commitment to revamping math education in elementary schools was pivotal.
District leaders, aiming to make math more engaging, shifted away from traditional worksheets and memorization. Instead, classrooms now feature tangible learning tools like wooden cubes, foam pattern blocks, and fraction tiles, designed to enhance math fluency akin to language acquisition.
In a third-grade class led by Ms. Tracy Butts, students solve a multiplication problem, 9 times 12, using varied mental strategies. Encouraged to explore multiple solutions, students eagerly participate, fostering an environment where different approaches are celebrated.
Julian West, instrumental in DeKalb County’s math curriculum overhaul, has deep roots in the community. As a district-wide elementary math leader, West utilized federal COVID relief funds to equip classrooms with hands-on learning materials. Collaborating with math teachers, she restructured textbooks to align with state standards and emphasized data-driven teaching practices.
“Data or it didn’t happen,” West insists, emphasizing the importance of evidence in educational strategies. This focus is evident during meetings where Lydia Peek, an assistant principal, reviews quiz data with teachers, identifying areas for improvement.
Many educators, like Tanya Ford, appreciate the newfound support. “We’re able to swim through it all together instead of just feeling like you’re out there by yourself,” Ford shares, highlighting the benefits of having a dedicated math coach.
Inspired by DeKalb’s success, Alabama’s education leaders, supported by the Alabama Numeracy Act, aim to implement these strategies statewide. State Superintendent Eric Mackey envisions math as more than problem-solving. “Math, when it is properly applied, is not about just solving math problems. Math is a way of thinking about the world. It really is the language of philosophy,” Mackey explains.
Back in Ms. Butts’ classroom, students demonstrate multiple problem-solving methods, illustrating the joy and engagement in learning. As one teacher notes, “When kids have fun, they learn.”
Cory Turner, NPR News, DeKalb County, Alabama.
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