Secondary schools have struggled for years to attract specialist maths and science teachers, particularly in regional and outer-suburban areas. As a result, principals have sometimes reduced the curriculum on offer, or have had teachers with no specialist training take the subjects.

On the most recent NAEP administration, 40 states, plus the District of Columbia, met the goal of including 95 percent of all students in the original testing sample for the reading assessment for grades 4 and 8. In math, Oklahoma was the only state to fall short of the 95 percent inclusion goal for both grades, while Maryland did so in grade 8.
http://mathetude.com/story/view/14426.html

On the most recent NAEP administration, 40 states, plus the District of Columbia, met the goal of including 95 percent of all students in the original testing sample for the reading assessment for grades 4 and 8. In math, Oklahoma was the only state to fall short of the 95 percent inclusion goal for both grades, while Maryland did so in grade 8.

One important factor inhibiting our progress is the negative attitude to mathematics that is common in our culture, even in university circles. Recently, a professor of English in “Academe” magazine wrote that the technical fields might impart useful skills, but “real” critical thinking takes place in the liberal arts. I have heard similar comments throughout my 37 years in higher education. Yet studies show that mathematics achievement is the most robust predictor of college graduation rates, independent of academic major. I would argue that its place is at the very core of higher learning. -- Timothy S. Norfolk

It's hard to be here when you're bucking against the system, the way things have always been done. It is our obligation as leaders to make sure every single child in this country has the opportunity to succeed. -- Eric Pettigrew

States seem to be focusing most of their attention on providing professional development to teachers. Only New Hampshire reported no plans to provide it, while the other 45 said they have complete or partial plans to do so. The most commonly cited methods were conferences, workshops, online modules, and webinars.

Preparing for Change
http://www.edweek.org/media/preparingforchange-17standards.pdf

I appreciate the effort, but this bill retreats from reform, accountability and bipartisanship. We need to set politics aside and put kids first. Until Congress can pass a real bi-partisan reform bill that the president can sign, we'll be moving forward with our ESEA flexibility package because America can't wait. -- Arne Duncan