MU researcher joins math advisory panel

A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher has been appointed to a national math advisory group.

David Geary, a professor of psychological sciences in the College of Arts and Science, is among 23 members of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel formed by President George W. Bush in an effort to strengthen math education.

"This is a big push to invest in math education and math development and do it in a way that works," said Geary, who researches children’s math development and learning disabilities.

The panel will examine scientific-based evidence related to teaching and learning math, specifically algebra. Members will also evaluate math instruction and comprehension in earlier grades. The goal is to develop strategies to better prepare middle and high school students for advanced math courses.

"The pipeline of students entering these fields isn’t sufficient," Geary said. "The problem is students in this country are not prepared compared to those from East Asia, India and some European countries. They must have a serious math background in high school."

The panel is expected to deliver an interim report to the president by Jan. 31, with a final report completed a month later.