House Committee on Education and Labor
U.S. House of Representatives

Thank you Chairman Miller and good morning. I’m pleased to be here to discuss the report and findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

Created in April 2006, the National Math Panel was charged with providing recommendations on the best use of scientifically based research to advance the teaching and learning of mathematics.

We know how important it is for our young people to be proficient – indeed, to excel – in core subjects including mathematics.  Like reading, mathematics is a foundational subject.  It is one upon which nearly all other learning can be built.

In this time of rapidly changing technology, our children must be able to perform well in the subjects that will allow them to succeed. 

Unfortunately, in far too many cases our children are being outperformed by their peers around the world.  We know that educational excellence today means international competitiveness tomorrow, and that’s why it is so important that we take steps to improve educational opportunities for all students.

I believe today’s hearing is an important opportunity to explore the research and findings of the National Math Panel.  One of their goals was to provide guidance on how to improve mathematics achievement for all students in the United States.  I’d like to hear more about the recommendations they developed, and about our ability to implement them in our nation’s schools.

I’d also like to hear directly from the stakeholders whose job it is to put effective mathematics instruction into practice.  From business leaders to classroom teachers, there are millions of individuals who are embracing the cause of educational excellence.  I look forward to hearing these perspectives on the importance of a quality math education and the steps that are being taken to ensure it is reflected in classrooms around the nation.

Of course, we all know that one of the most basic goals of the No Child Left Behind Act was to ensure that all children can read and do math at grade level by 2014.  More than six years after NCLB became law, I think we can see both success and opportunity.  It’s true that achievement gaps are narrowing and test scores are on the rise.  At the same time, we are still far from our goal of universal proficiency.

I think today’s hearing will be enlightening as we look to the future of NCLB.  We have with us a distinguished panel of experts who can discuss the relevance of NCLB’s goals when considered through the lens of the National Math Panel’s report.  I want to thank our witnesses for being here today, and again I want to thank Chairman Miller for convening this important hearing.  I yield back.

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