The National Mathematics Advisory Panel (NMP) Final Report and Reports of the Task Groups and Subcommittees The National Mathematics Advisory Panel conducted a systematic and rigorous review of the best available scientific evidence for the teaching and learning of mathematics and provided recommendations that lay out concrete steps to improve mathematics education, with a specific focus on preparation for learning algebra. The Panel worked in task groups and subcommittees to address areas of mathematics teaching and learning including Conceptual Knowledge and Skills, Learning Processes, Instructional Practices, Teachers and Teacher Education, and Assessment. Five task groups carried out detailed syntheses of research evidence that addressed each group's major questions and met standards of methodological quality. Three subcommittees were charged with completion of a particular advisory function for the Panel. The research findings cited in these reports underpin the mathematics practices and content included on the Doing What Works website. 
Multimedia Overview National Mathematics Advisory Panel
Watch this brief overview to learn about the purpose and findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel and research-based recommendations for improving mathematics instruction. Find out why it's important for schools to focus on teaching critical mathematics skills to better prepare students for entry into algebra. (3:41 min)Explore these recommended practices:
- <<Mathematics Preparation for Algebra
Prepare students for algebra by developing a focused, coherent progression of key topics and skills leading to proficiency. - <<Comprehensive Instruction
Provide instruction that develops conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem-solving skills. - <<Mastery Framework
Use a mastery framework to guide instructional planning and student assessment.
Multimedia Overview
National Math Panel: Critical Foundations of Algebra
Watch this overview to learn about the findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, the importance of teaching a coherent progression of key topics and critical skills to students in grades pre-kindergarten to 8, and how to use three identified practices to improve mathematics instruction in the primary, intermediate, and middle grades to better prepare students for learning algebra. (6:10 min)
Visual Diagram Critical Foundations for Algebra
The visual diagram illustrates three practices based on the recommendations in the National Mathematics Advisory Panel report. Use this diagram to engage teachers in discussion about their practices related to helping students develop proficiency in understanding key concepts and skills, providing comprehensive instruction and practice, and using formative assessment and differentiated instruction to guide instruction.Expert Interview
Key Messages of the Panel Report
Larry R. Faulkner, Ph.D.Houston Endowment
Chair, National Mathematics Advisory Panel and Member, Conceptual Knowledge and Skills Task Group
Dr. Faulkner discusses the Panel's key recommendations, especially focused on important messages for teachers, such as focusing with more depth on critical skills, using benchmarks and formative assessments, and planning instruction for both struggling and gifted students. He also addresses the Panel's hopes for how the research findings will be used. (8:13 min)
Expert Interview
Policy Implications of the Panel Report
Tom Loveless, Ph.D.Brookings Institution
Member, National Mathematics Advisory Panel; Chair, National Survey of Algebra I Teachers Subcommittee; Member, Instructional Practices and Assessment Task Groups
Listen to Dr. Loveless discuss the policy implications of the Panel's findings at the federal, state, district, and school levels, including recommendations related to state standards, curriculum frameworks, and assessments. (6:13 min)