The Misplaced Math Student: Lost in Eighth-Grade Algebra

Algebra in eighth grade was once reserved for the mathematically gifted student. From 1990 to 2007, national enrollment in algebra courses soared from 16 percent to more than 30 percent of all eighth graders. What effect has increasing algebra enrollments had on students and teachers?

On October 22, the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings hosted a discussion of this trend, documented in the recent report, “The Misplaced Math Student: Lost in Eighth Grade Algebra.” Author of the report and Brown Center Director Tom Loveless presented key findings. Remarks from Kati Haycock, president of Education Trust; Vern Williams, local middle school teacher and former member of the President’s National Mathematics Panel; and Henry Kepner, president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics followed.

After the program, the panel took audience questions.

Event Materials:

View Tom Loveless’s handout »

View Henry Kepner’s handout »

View Vern Williams’s handout »