Constructing Foundations for Success: Implications of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report

What strategies and actions are recommended to improve math instruction and achievement of students nationwide? These topics and other key factors were addressed during the Southeast Comprehensive Center’s (SECC) regional mathematics institute, "Constructing Foundations for Success: Implications of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report," from July 28 through 30, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The institute was designed to build capacity within state departments of education through timely, high-quality presentations related to the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report (NMPR). Additionally, the institute provided access to professional expertise and resources in math based on the recommendations of the report.

Teams from all five states served by the SECC—Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina—participated in the institute. To kick off the event, Russell Gersten, executive director of Instructional Research Group and a key member of the math advisory panel, provided an overview of the panel’s work. In addition, Tricia Coulter, Kristin McGraner, and Dan Reschly, of the National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality, discussed teacher education, critical foundations for algebra and math instruction, and preparation and development of effective math teachers. SECC staff led topic discussions and coordinated planning efforts of state teams around the NMPR recommendations.

The objectives of this forum included:

• understanding implications of key recommendations of National Mathematics Panel Report (NMPR),
• connecting key NMPR recommendations to current work and state initiatives, and
• developing strategies for coordinated, leveraged actions across state initiatives that address key recommendations.