Developing proficiency in mathematics is an important goal for all school students.
In light of current U.S. educational standards and the mathematics performance
of U.S. students compared with the performance of students in other
countries, a clear need exists for substantial improvement in mathematics
achievement in the nation’s schools. On average, U.S. students do not achieve
high levels of mathematical proficiency, and serious gaps in achievement persist
between white students and students of color and between middle-class
students and students living in poverty.