Elementary school teachers often lack confidence in teaching foundational mathematics despite understanding the concepts themselves, prompting education leaders to reassess teacher-preparation programs nationwide.
Alabama has taken a leading role in addressing this issue by completing revisions to math education coursework for future elementary educators. The state’s 2022 Alabama Numeracy Act established a framework of reforms aimed at improving student achievement in elementary mathematics. Following Alabama’s initiative, 23 additional states have implemented new policies related to math education, with nine specifically targeting reviews and adjustments of teacher-preparation programs. The approaches vary by state but reflect a broader consensus that current preparation is insufficient.
Previously, Alabama required elementary teacher candidates to complete four general mathematics courses—such as algebra and trigonometry—alongside non-education students, combined with a single specialized methods course. Education officials noted this approach often produced teachers with stronger mathematical knowledge than practical classroom teaching ability. Under the reformed system that took effect in fall 2026, teacher candidates now complete four integrated courses that combine foundational math content with pedagogy. These courses address topics including number properties, base-10 systems, fractions, proportional reasoning, and algebraic thinking, with three courses taught at advanced levels concurrent with classroom observations.
Research indicates that elementary teachers experience higher anxiety about mathematics instruction than secondary educators, and this anxiety correlates with lower student test scores and more rigid teaching approaches. Experts emphasize that strong preparation directly impacts student success, as foundational mathematics gaps compound in later grades. The National Council on Teacher Quality found that only one in six elementary teacher-preparation programs dedicates adequate time to essential math concepts and recommends at least 10 hours of targeted coursework focused on both content and pedagogy. Alabama is developing a certification exam for teacher candidates, which officials expect to deploy when the first cohort completing the new course sequence graduates.
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