National Math Trends: Recovering High School Learning

The Center for Education Market Dynamics • January 27, 2026

Learning, Priorities, and the Role of Math Materials in Grades 9–12

High school math outcomes continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels, even as demand for strong math preparation grows. National data show district leaders are most concerned about unfinished learning in secondary classrooms, particularly as students reach Algebra I without sufficient foundational skills.

To address these gaps, districts are leaning on supplemental math materials focused on remediation and differentiation. While these tools offer targeted support, their widespread use also raises challenges around instructional coherence—especially as budgets tighten and fewer districts invest in high school math supplements.

Recovery in high school math depends not just on access to supplemental tools, but on how well districts align those tools within a coherent instructional system.

Key Learnings

• Remediation is the dominant challenge: District leaders cite gaps in student math knowledge as the top issue in high school instruction.
• Supplemental materials play a central role: Most high school math supplements are used to support intervention and differentiation.
• Both coherence and funding shape recovery: Fragmented materials and constrained budgets limit districts’ ability to sustain coherent, long-term recovery efforts.