What is one thing that Florida’s business leaders, educators, families and philanthropic organizations all agree on? K–12 math education must improve if we want our students — and our state — to thrive.
At the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, where I serve as the director of mathematics, we spent several months engaging with stakeholders across Florida to better understand their perspectives on math education, because we know how critical math is to student success. A clear and consistent message emerged: Our current approach to K-12 math education isn’t keeping pace with the demands of today’s world. Across the board, there’s growing recognition that math proficiency cannot be optional, it is a necessity.
For years, Florida has rightly prioritized reading proficiency. Now, it’s clear to our state leaders that math deserves equal attention. With the passage of House Bill 1105 this year, Florida has taken a meaningful first step. This legislation requires the Florida Department of Education to establish the competencies for a mathematics endorsement — an earnable credential equipping educators to teach the math skills, knowledge, and practices students need to succeed.
This is progress — and it’s just the beginning. Florida has an exciting opportunity to be a leader in math education, and that’s why our Center — along with parents, educators, community partners and state leaders — is working to advance how we prepare Florida’s students with the mathematics education they need to succeed.
We’re doing this work because, as a state, we can no longer afford to delay bold action. According to recent data, 95% of Florida business leaders say it’s important for employees to be able to analyze data. Yet 90% report difficulty finding candidates who can do so. This gap between workforce needs and student preparation is a red flag.
It is also alarming that our statewide examination of mathematics education revealed that most respondents do not enjoy mathematics and don’t see themselves as “math people.” Not only is mathematics important for students’ future opportunities, but it is also crucial for students to see mathematics as meaningful and applicable in their lives. A high-quality mathematics education both prepares students for future success and helps them see the value of mathematics.
To achieve this, Florida must adopt a comprehensive strategy to elevate math education statewide. Here are three key steps policymakers should consider:
1. Incentivize math endorsements for teachers
We need more math educators in our classrooms and those educators should be highly qualified to teach mathematics. One way to achieve this is by offering stipends, tuition assistance or salary increases for teachers who pursue math endorsements. These endorsements signal a deeper understanding of math content and pedagogy, and help ensure that students receive high-quality instruction from capable educators.
2. Invest in math coaching
Just as literacy coaches have played a pivotal role in improving reading instruction, math coaches can work side-by-side with educators, offering guidance on lesson planning, instructional strategies and student engagement. By investing in math coaching, we can build teacher capacity and improve student outcomes at scale.
3. Establish a statewide math infrastructure
Florida’s progress in literacy didn’t happen by accident — it was supported by a robust infrastructure that included a state literacy office, regional directors, and school-based coaches. We need a similar system for math. State leaders have already invested in regional math coaches, and now we can continue this momentum by establishing a dedicated state math office to coordinate efforts, provide professional development and ensure consistency across districts. School-based coaches could deliver hands-on assistance where it’s needed most.
These steps are not just about improving test scores — they’re about preparing students for life. Whether they pursue careers in the arts, healthcare, construction, finance or technology, today’s students will benefit from math skills. And as artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics reshape the workforce, the demand for quantitative reasoning will only grow.
Florida can lead the nation in reimagining math education. But leadership requires vision, investment, and urgency. We must act now to ensure that every student — no matter where they start or where they are — has access to high-quality math instruction and the opportunity to build a successful future.
Zandra de Araujo serves as Director of Mathematics and Research Scientist at the Lastinger Center for Learning.
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