Join the Math 4 All Campaign to improve math education for all students in the District. Let’s ensure every student gains the math skills they need for future success.
EVERYONE IS A MATH PERSON
EVERYONE IS A MATH PERSON
The Math Problem in DC
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In fiscal year 2025, there was NO funding included in the budget to address our math problem.
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78% of students who took the math DC CAPE assessment in the 2022-23 SY did not met grade-level expectations, only 21% of students approached expectations.
Only 8% of students with disabilities met or exceeded grade-level expectations, the lowest of any student group, remained unchanged from 2023 to 2024. The difference in DC CAPE proficiency rates between students who are and are not identified as students with disabilities is 21 percentage points.
Some students have dyscalculia, a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to understand number-based information and math 3-7% of the population had specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics and needs specialized intervention.
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1 in 3 DC residents, ages 16 to 74, are at or below Level 1 Math Literacy. (source) There are widespread gaps for students by demography and geography.
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There are fewer math instructional specialists and coaches than reading throughout our system, and fewer teachers certified to teach math.
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There is a widespread myth that there are “math people” that are inherently good at math, and those that are not. This negative perception leads to math anxiety.
78% of DC students did not meet or exceeded grade-level expectations in math on DC CAPE. While there was a very slight improvement over last year’s results, we know that all of our students are capable of doing well in math.
How to Solve Our Math Problem
4 Pillars
HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING
MATH TEACHER PIPELINE
HIGH-QUALITY INSTRUCTION MATERIAL & PD
PARENT/CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Our Math Goals
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The Math 4 All campaign will bring students, parents/caregivers, educators, residents, and policymakers together to implement a comprehensive statewide strategy that will transform how math is perceived, taught, and supported in DC.
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The Math 4 All campaign will ensure that the Mayor and DC Council include these 4 pillars in their strategies:
High impact tutoring (HIT)
High-Quality Instruction Materials & Professional Learning
Math teacher Pipeline
Parent/Caregiver Support
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JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
Help improve our students math proficiency by adding your name or organization to our campaign website.
TESTIMONIES
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"If we want all students to succeed [in math], we must invest not only in what teachers know but in how they believe, teach, and inspire."
-Dr. Kelly Ivy
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at UDC
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"As a mother, it’s heartbreaking to hear my child say, 'I don’t think I’m smart,' just because he's struggling in math."
-Artecka Brown
Ward 5 Resident and Parent Advocate
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“If we know better, we should do better. Ignoring the role of math in our children’s lives is a disservice to their future and our community.”
-Gregory Anthony Dear
Civic Leader and Ward 5 Resident
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"Math is more than finding the right answer; it’s about building confidence, perseverance, and the belief that every voice matters."
-Whitney McArthur
Educator and Civic Leader
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"Addressing math education isn’t just about academics; it’s about creating equitable opportunities for all DC communities to thrive."
Christopher Jewel Charles
Ward 7 Resident
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"For neurodivergent students, math isn’t just about answers—it’s about creating a path that truly meets them where they are."
-Kenneth Addo
Ward 4 Resident and Civic Leader
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"Year after year, we expect students to 'figure it out,' but hope and hard work aren’t enough. We need a system that ensures every student has the foundation to thrive in math—for a lifetime of opportunity."
-LaDan Johnson
Advisor to Aspiring Engineers and Ward 7 Resident
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"Improving math education is not just about numbers; it's about empowering our students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for future success."
-Andre Aina
Educator, Community Advocate, and Ward 7 Resident
