What follows is a careful, detailed attempt on our part to provide the NMP our views pertaining to the issues we believe you should consider. These views are based on our experiences, review of available research, and lessons learned. We understand that they are not grounded in scientific research, though, in certain circumstances, significant research, some of which we are sponsoring, is uunderway. We would be pleased to report results of further research as it is completed. The key point we want to make, however, is that to achieve and sustain student performance improvement, we have learned that key elements of the mathematics education system must be addressed in a coherent, integrated way, and there is no “silver bullet” focused on a single system element.
We understand there is not fully developed scientific research to prove this hypothesis; rather, it is an observation from decades of experience and involvement in the field. Our hope is that you will uncover and publish, if it exists, scientific evidence on the proposition that systemic reform is necessary as well as the proven components of a comprehensive system that will effectively deliver mathematics education and improve student mathematics performance. If such scientific research does not currently exist, we strongly recommend that the NMP make such research a matter of the highest priority in its conclusions and report.