Dear friends,
In our latest Learning From the Ground Up video, I had the privilege of learning from and being inspired by Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network (ANet).
What struck me most in our conversation was the power of technology to empower students and teachers on their learning journeys. ANet helps teachers uncover and address common math misconceptions, not by telling students they are wrong, but by showing them new ways to approach a problem. That shift, from binary right-or-wrong thinking to curiosity and exploration, can change a student’s relationship with math. With AI, ANet helps them do this in real time with immediate feedback that simply isn’t possible in the typical classroom. While we have a lot to learn, it underscored the potential of AI, designed with and for teachers, to rapidly support students to understand procedure and conceptual concepts critical to mastery.
And my enthusiasm for the possibilities of teachers, tech, and narrative was reinforced not by tech, but by a fun and stimulating activity—best practice in any classroom. Michelle skillfully helped me manage my math insecurities and build a model bridge together at the beautiful Center for Architecture. It was a fun activity that leaned on my math skills, and it reminded me of what this work is really about: helping students cross divides, moving from doubt to confidence, from exclusion to self-determination. It is not always easy, but it is possible, and it is urgent. The latest NAEP scores are a sobering reminder that too many students are falling behind in math (see more about that below). The stakes for their futures could not be higher.
We can do this! I left my conversation with Michelle with a deep sense of possibility. If we can dismantle myths, address misconceptions, and give teachers the tools they need, we can help every student excel at math. That is a bridge worth building!
In partnership,
Bob Hughes
Director, K-12 Education
Quick takes
Defining high-quality math materials
Why it matters: A new report from the National School Boards Association makes the case for prioritizing clear definitions of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in math. The report provides evidence, approaches, and recommendations for how to take on the work to define HQIM.
The bottom line: HQIM means more than alignment to standards. Effective materials have a coherent scope and sequence, reflect evidence-based practices, and feature real-world applications, among other attributes. Case studies from Miami-Dade, Los Angeles, and New York City show how this policy-driven approach can lead to sustained gains. Read the report.
NAEP results show steep math declines for seniors
Why it matters: The latest Nation’s Report Card reveals only 22% of U.S. 12th graders are proficient in math, with nearly half scoring below Basic.
The bottom line: The data confirm what many educators see daily–math achievement and the skills and knowledge that come with it continue to slip. District leaders need to implement evidence-based solutions to address unfinished learning. Strong instructional materials and teacher support are critical to turn these trends around. Read the report.
Coverage in: Associated Press, Ed Week, Hechinger Report, The 74
Beyond selection: Making high-quality materials work
Why it matters: Choosing the right curriculum is just the start. EdReports’ new resource spotlights how districts can move from selecting HQIM to actually implementing them with fidelity.
The bottom line: Success comes from strong, curriculum-based professional learning, clear instructional support, and ongoing collaboration with teachers. Read more in EdReports’ article.
New CRPE report: State of the American student
Why it matters: Nearly 4 in 10 eighth graders score below Basic on NAEP. Teacher shortages, weakened standards, and rigid systems fuel the decline. The State of the American Student 2025 shines a spotlight on the crisis of math achievement, especially for underserved students, while also providing a path forward.
The bottom line: CRPE argues math is “one of the most fixable problems” in education. Solutions include evidence-based instruction, stronger accountability, bold teacher staffing models, and flexible pathways with no dead ends. Read the report and news coverage.
What we're reading
Building instructional coherence: Check out CEMD’s latest blog
The power of instructional coaches
Scientific American: Students find hidden Fibonacci sequence in classic probability puzzle
Check out this review of Counted Out: "The Hidden Arithmetic of Everyday Life"