State leaders are increasingly concerned about math education. U.S. students in the fourth and eighth grades are still underperforming their pre-pandemic peers in mathematics proficiency, particularly in the median and lowest performing groups, according to the most recent results from National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test, sometimes called the “Nation’s Report Card.”

In response, several states have acted to improve math outcomes, often focusing their efforts on elementary and pre-K years with the understanding that early numeracy and foundational math skills lay the groundwork for success in future mathematics, like algebra, and into the workforce.

This brief from the National Conference of State Legislatures and MDRC explains that early math skills are among the strongest predictors of later academic success, describes research evidence showing the effectiveness of early math interventions, spotlights states that are taking action to strengthen early math, and offers guidance to states for selecting research-based, comprehensive, and easy-to-implement early childhood assessments.