It's Not Just About the Numbers

By Erica N. Walker & Alexander P. Karp

Recent results of international math assessments make one thing clear: American students are consistently outperformed in mathematics by their international counterparts.

That said, there’s widespread disagreement over why. Some undoubtedly see the scores as an indictment of reform mathematics—too much emphasis on process and not enough on product. For this camp, the federal No Child Left Behind Act’s emphasis on testing is just the right thing. Others argue precisely the opposite: that the No Child Left Behind law’s focus on test outcomes is hurting teacher innovation and limiting inquiring minds through...