Students in Texas Still Struggle with Arithmetic After the Outbreak. Some Schools Are Trying Something New!
CNS News– Despite efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, Texas students continue to face challenges in mastering math skills. In response, schools like the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) are adopting innovative approaches to math education, such as the Eureka Math curriculum.
Eureka Math, implemented in McGowan’s classroom at the Eddie Bernice Johnson STEM Academy, emphasizes collaborative learning and conceptual understanding over standardized test performance. The curriculum aims to help students grasp mathematical concepts more deeply, with less emphasis on memorization and test scores.
While the intent remains to improve performance on standardized tests like the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), recent data shows that Texas students have not fully recovered from pre-pandemic math proficiency levels.
In 2023, only 19% of all Texas students mastered math at their grade level, down from 26% in 2019. This decline in math mastery raises concerns among policymakers and educators about students’ readiness for future job markets. Studies suggest that students with lower math proficiency may face reduced earning potential and limited access to lucrative careers.
Texas children are still struggling with math after the pandemic. Some schools are trying a new approach. https://t.co/AKT9BNJaIW
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) February 12, 2024
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In response to these challenges, the Texas Legislature has taken steps to support math education, including Senate Bill 2124, which promotes student advancement in math studies. Additionally, initiatives like mandated tutoring and improved access to high-quality instructional materials aim to address learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.
However, staffing shortages and other obstacles hinder implementation efforts, particularly in rural districts like Alpine Independent School District. Despite these challenges, educators remain optimistic about the potential of innovative teaching methods like Eureka Math to help students succeed in math and beyond.