In the global community, America's students are falling further behind pace with regards to mathematics skills. In a recent study, only a quarter of our fourth- and eighth-graders were found to perform at or above proficient levels in math (ed.gov).

As we prepare our children for a new economy dominated by technology and shaped by the information age, we must provide sound mathematics instruction that prepares students to compete and prosper in the world.

Today's classrooms are using scientifically based methods to teach math, focusing on the major content strands and rooted in rigorous instruction and integrated assessment toolsets. With a diverse group of learners, math instruction must be customizable and engaging, as our students explore, reason with, talk about, and practice math concepts in cross-curricular and real-life applications.

Learn more about elementary mathematics programs from Houghton Mifflin: