In 2024, the Future Directions for Mathematics Education Research, Policy, and Practice convening identified critical areas of need and opportunity for progress in mathematics teaching and learning. Amidst concerns about declining mathematical achievement and persistent disparities in access to high-quality mathematics education, the convening aimed to define a vision for progress; identify opportunities to leverage new tools, technology, strategies, and partnerships; define current and emerging challenges; and outline concrete recommendations for research, policy, and practice.

The convening’s content and activities focused on

  • K–12 mathematics teacher preparation;
  • undergraduate mathematics teaching and learning;
  • meaningful K–12 career pathways; and
  • more inclusive, equity-focused approaches to mathematics education.

The convening’s recommendations provide a resource for future research, policy, and practice, with a focus on equity, collaboration, and innovation to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Examples of these recommendations include

  • conducting research related to teacher preparation, the role and value of effective teaching in higher education, and meaningful K–12 career pathways that focus on enhancing K–12 mathematics education, promoting diverse career pathways, and supporting students’ academic and career success;
  • supporting collective, coordinated efforts among policymakers at federal, state, and local levels and establishing policy that highlights incorporating STEM curricula, updating content standards, expanding evaluation measures, and fostering teacher competencies in data science and computer programming;
  • building strategic partnerships to support teachers’ development of the mathematical and pedagogical knowledge needed to provide all students with equitable opportunities to engage in meaningful mathematical learning; and
  • encouraging funding organizations to build partnerships that support diverse representation in research teams, prioritize equity in mathematics education, and fund research on AI and adaptive learning technologies.

Read the report’s brief for the high level themes and recommendations.