Math Scores in US at All-Time Low: Is the Problem Critical?

According to a recent study, the math scores of tenth-graders in the United States have hit an all-time low.

Scores from the PISA – the Program for International Student Assessment – showed that results have dropped 13 points compared to six years ago, with students scoring an average of 465 out of 1,000 – down from 478 in 2018. This places them below the international average of 472, with 34% of students scoring below level 2, and only 7% reaching level 5 or above. 

Students struggling with math is not a new thing, of course. But these results are a new piece of evidence showing that the traditional curriculum, as we know it, is in need of change. 

Change is Already Happening

The good news is that this change is already happening across numerous schools up and down the country, especially when it comes to educational games introduced to students at an early age. 

In a 2018 study, it was found that educational games could ‘support and increase mathematics learning outcomes’, with kids who learn math online feeling more engaged and less afraid of the subject itself. This has led to over 1.5 million teachers introducing online math games into the classroom, working to elevate the classroom’s grade levels and make math a far more enjoyable subject early on – in one school district, students master an average of 68% more math skills per month.

Changing the Perception of Math

You might be wondering how – and if – gamification can really make a big difference. And yes, while it’s not going to be the only answer to the current math crisis in the US, it is going to create change. In a study undertaken in 2023, it was discovered that children who have a good early mathematical understanding are going to be more likely to do better later in school. 

Math gamification can help students feel closer and more confident with the subject early on, which will subsequently work to avoid ‘math anxiety’ and build a stronger foundation for future success. The perception of the subject is important here. 

By presenting math in a fun, approachable way, gamification can shift the perception of the subject from ‘intimidating’ to ‘engaging’, encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities, rather than obstacles. The results are already evident, but the more schools and parents implement math games into their curriculum, the more chance there is that those scores mentioned earlier will rise.

Is the Problem Critical?

There could be many reasons why students’ math scores are falling – not least the disruption students experienced throughout 2020 and 2021 – but it’s unlikely that this trend will continue. 

The continued development of math-based games, and the promise of new classroom-related tech on the way, demonstrate that there’s every chance we can change the relationship that children have with the subject. With teachers also getting data-driven reports on where the class is struggling – and an opportunity to target and personalize teaching methods for various students – our classrooms are set to grow more engaged, adaptive, and responsive as time goes on. 

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.

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