June 3, 2025
Author: Nathaniel Kolk-Thomberlin, National Programs Research Policy Intern | The Hunt Institute
United States education leaders are charting bold, data-driven education strategies, hoping to leave disconcerting math test scores in the past.
National NAEP results were disappointing. The national average improved marginally by a raw score of two points, from 2022 to 2024. However, regarding 4th grade math, notable improvements in NAEP proficiency were made in 15 states/jurisdictions.
To recover from COVID setbacks, states incorporated innovative practices to bolster their math instruction. On the individual level, small-group math coaching and High Impact Tutoring (HIT) have emerged as popular and effective interventions.
At the state level, policymakers are showing proven strategies to reclaim excellence in math education. Mississippi, D.C., and Alabama are exemplars of these efforts, at least for fourth graders, and illustrate how other states could employ similar practices to improve their math instruction over time.
The Alabama Numeracy Act (ANA), passed in 2022, strengthened preparation for teachers and principals, updated curriculum and textbooks, and introduced intensive interventions for struggling students. And it paid off: In 2024, Alabama became the only state to improve its NAEP math scores compared to 2019. While the state still has some catching up to do compared to the national average, the growth is undeniable.
One of the most effective moves was a deployment of K–5 math coaches statewide, with extra support for struggling schools. A math task force helped identify top educators to join the inaugural cohort, and those coaches have been on the ground ever since—guiding instruction and supporting peers.
The Office of Mathematics Improvement, housed within the Alabama Department of Education, reinforces these efforts with financial, curricular, and instructional support. Principals and teacher-leaders also got a boost through the School Turnaround Academy, which builds a pipeline of leaders trained in evidence-based strategies for school improvement.
To keep it all on track, the Alabama STEM Council is conducting ongoing evaluations of these efforts, with annual and quarterly reports ensuring the ANA’s goals stay front and center.
A decade ago, the Mississippi Department of Education kicked off its reading achievement transformation with just 29 literacy coaches. Over the years, Mississippi expanded the coaching model beyond literacy into special education, math, school improvement, early childhood, and digital learning. Now, 107 expert coaches are embedded across the system in key subject areas.
Building on that success, MDE approved a four-year, $11 million contract with Catapult Learning LLC to grow its math coaching force. The plan was to add 25 new coaches, focused on the state’s highest-need schools. Catapult, a veteran in professional development and instructional support, brings decades of experience to the table.
Their work includes in-person and virtual coaching, creating and reviewing individualized plans, modeling lessons, co-teaching, and conducting classroom observations and walk-throughs. A full breakdown of goals, implementation plans, and participating schools is available here.
The results were promising. Mississippi was the only state where students in the 25th percentile saw greater gains than those at the 75th—a standout achievement in equity and a model worth watching for any state looking to lift performance from the bottom up.
In 2024 NAEP results, D.C. delivered one of the biggest math gains in the country. D.C. led the nation in improving performance among its top students, with standout growth at the 75th percentile. This kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. Through bold, targeted investments, D.C. is showing what’s possible—and offering a roadmap for others. 
A key driver behind this surge? The Office of the State Superintendent’s (OSSE) HIT tutoring program. Launched in fall 2021 with a $33 million investment over three years, HIT zeroed in on students furthest from opportunity—serving more than 6,000 students across 90 DC public and charter schools.
HIT is built for impact: high-intensity, data-driven instruction delivered at least twice a week, during or after school, totaling 90+ minutes per week for 10 straight weeks. Student-tutor ratios are capped at 4:1 to ensure personalized attention. Tutors align closely with school curricula, use ongoing assessments to guide instruction, and receive continuous professional development to sharpen their practice.
The result? Measurable gains in math achievement and strong relationships between students and tutors. And it’s not just reflected in NAEP scores—D.C.’s approach is well documented, rigorously evaluated, and setting a new standard for how tutoring can drive equity and excellence in student outcomes.
The down-stream impacts of COVID will take considerable investment and innovative policy to recover from. However, there are model states and initiatives from which policymakers, educators, and though-leaders can learn from.
Despite certain obstacles regarding implementation, coordination, and financing there is ample opportunity to propel students towards higher achievement; carrying this torch is within the capacity of any leader, educator, and policymaker courageous enough to embrace the challenge. After all, there is no finer investment in our nation’s future than ensuring a high-quality education for its children.
The Hunt Institute supports legislators, policymakers, and state education leaders through technical assistance and material development for task forces on a variety of topics including STEM education, literacy, teacher professional development, and more. If you would like to learn more about how The Hunt Institute can support Math initiatives in your state, contact Dr. Jaalil Hart, K-12 Director for more information.
