The knowledge and use of mathematics is essential in everyone's life; therefore, learning mathematics is central to elementary and secondary education. American students, however, continue to lag behind their world peers in mathematics achievement. Furthermore, substantial achievement gaps exist between groups of these students. The Learning First…

For several years, concerns have been growing about the mathematics achievement of California's K-12 students. In September 1995, the California Mathematics Task Force issued a report entitled "A Call to Action: Improving Mathematics Achievement for All California Students". The Task Force also provided specific recommendations for the…