Math Matters for Everyone

Why Does Math Matter?

Students who take 2 math courses beyond Algebra 2 are 3 times more likely to graduate from college.

Completing Algebra I by the end of 8th grade opens up opportunities for students to take more rigorous math in high school and postsecondary.

Taking advanced math in middle and high school also empowers students to:

  • Experience math that complements their career goals
  • Learn problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills valuable in any career
  • Apply earned credits toward a two- or four-year technical school or college
  • Prepare for high-demand, high-wage jobs
  • Tackle real-world tasks like personal finances
Advanced Math Policy and Practices Guide: Driving Postsecondary Success through Accelerated and Equitable Mathematics Pathways

Advanced Math Policy and Practices Guide

Driving Postsecondary Success through Accelerated and Equitable Mathematics Pathways

E3 Alliance led a research and implementation initiative in the Central Texas region called Pathways to Promise (PoP), designed to help students succeed in college, career, and life by creating equitable mathematics pathways and higher math outcomes for all students.

  • Mathematics Pathways Research and Rationale
  • Changing Policy and Practices for Accelerated, Equitable Math Pathways
  • Recommendations by the PoP Steering Committee

Download and print a PDF of Info You Should Know on Math to help create awareness on the importance of math.

Resources for our District Partners

E3 Alliance created videos and flyers for Texas school districts to freely share among educators to highlight the importance of taking as much math as possible aligned with student aspirations.

We also created videos that are tailored toward students and families, since it is critical for this messaging to reach those target audiences. In addition, since we know opportunities to show longer videos may be limited, we created shorter videos for both educators and for students/families.

The Central Texas Student Guide for Choosing Math Courses (For Educators and Their Students)

Did you know that completing four years of mathematics in high school is linked to higher salaries as an adult?

E3 Alliance and the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin is pleased to provide these guides for educators and their students.

Since postsecondary success is strongly linked to access to and success in advanced high school mathematics, The Central Texas Student Guide for Choosing Math Courses provides clear information for students and families, as well as staff who work with students on course selection, to ensure equitable access to advanced mathematics courses aligned to postsecondary and career aspirations.

The Central Texas Student Guide for Choosing Math Courses – English (PDF <1MB) (districts to share with students and families)

The Central Texas Student Guide for Choosing Math Courses – Spanish (PDF <1MB) (districts to share with students and families)

Companion Guide (PDF <1MB) (how PK-12 district and campus leaders can increase equitable access to advanced mathematics)

Videos For Educators

E3 Alliance research has helped emphasize the importance math plays on the pathway to success in college, career, and life.

The two videos below illustrate what is possible when educators have made the shift in policies and practices to encourage every student to take more math classes. Hear directly from them about decisions they made to help all students succeed in math and beyond.

Providing equitable access so that students take more math in high school and beyond is critical for postsecondary success.

Math Matters for Everyone | Educators (6:38 minutes) | 2022

Pathways of Promise (4:38 minutes) | 2020

When time is limited to share the longer versions above, we offer these shorter videos which each highlight key ideas or themes: removing barriers to access, one student’s story, and data-driven decision-making, respectively.

Math Matters for Everyone | Educators (3:01 minutes) | 2022

Cai’s Story: Math Matters for Everyone (1 minute) | 2022

Math Matters (The Data) (0:45 seconds)

Videos For Students and Families

We offer the following videos that illustrate how our school communities have benefited and can continue to benefit from increased access to advanced math.

First, hear from the Jackson family about how they made the decision to take advanced math classes and the experiences they encountered. Next, hear from students and educators on the benefits of taking more math, from matching course selections with chosen careers to opening greater opportunities.

2022 Math Matters for Everyone (2:53 minutes)

2020 Math Matters: The Jackson Family Story (4:13 minutes)

Since we know how busy our students and families are during the academic year, we offer these shorter videos which each highlight key ideas or themes we hope will resonate: how math extends beyond the four walls and the many benefits of math, respectively.

Math Beyond the Classroom (1 minute) | 2022

Summing Up The Benefits (1 minute) | 2022

Flyers for Students and Families

E3 Alliance has also created flyers that are tailored to elementary, middle, and high school students.

These flyers are available in Microsoft Word to allow for editing to fit a classroom or campus, while incorporating district voice and brand.

Please feel free to adapt and edit them as needed for distribution throughout districts and schools.

You will also find the flyers have been translated into Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese—to recognize the diversity of our school communities.