Comment: Support new middle school mathematics TEKS
Policy Advisor Gabe Grantham submitted the following comments in March 2025 on proposed Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for mathematics that would support middle school advanced mathematics programs.
I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed additions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for middle school mathematics. These new sections provide much-needed clarity and structure to support advanced mathematics pathways in middle school, ensuring more students have the opportunity to complete Algebra I by Grade 8 and ensure effective implementation of Senate Bill 2124 (88-R).
Research has consistently shown that higher levels of math attainment are directly linked to increased lifetime earnings, with algebra serving as a critical gateway to high-wage, high-demand fields such as engineering, computer science, and health care. Students who complete advanced math courses in middle and high school are more likely to graduate from college and earn credentials, setting them up to secure stable, well-paying jobs. Ensuring that Texas students have access to rigorous and well-structured math pathways is not just an educational issue — it is an economic imperative for our state’s future workforce.
Unfortunately, Texas has been struggling in national comparisons of student math achievement. On the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Texas ranked 34th in the nation for 8th-grade math performance, with only 24% of students performing at or above the NAEP Proficient level. These results indicate that too many Texas students are falling behind in the foundational skills necessary for success in higher-level math. If the state fails to address these gaps, we risk limiting students’ future opportunities and weakening Texas’ economic competitiveness. Strengthening middle school math pathways — particularly by ensuring more students are prepared for Algebra I by 8th grade — is a key strategy for reversing this trend and raising overall student achievement.
Early access to algebra is a well-documented predictor of long-term academic success, particularly in STEM fields.
By offering a well-defined framework for accelerated learning, these TEKS updates will:
- Ensure rigor and consistency in advanced math instruction across Texas schools.
- Equip students with the strong mathematical foundation and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in higher-level coursework, including Algebra II, Geometry, and beyond.
- Promote a sustainable and structured pace of learning, ensuring students develop deep conceptual understanding before advancing, preventing gaps in foundational knowledge that could hinder future success.
In addition to benefiting students, these proposed TEKS provide essential guidance for school districts across Texas. Without clear state standards, districts are left to navigate acceleration pathways on their own, leading to inconsistencies in student opportunities and instructional quality.
By defining the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced middle school mathematics, these TEKS will give districts the structure they need to develop and implement strong, equitable advanced math programs.
Furthermore, these standards will allow the State Board of Education to approve High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) through the Instructional Materials Review and Approvals process specifically designed for this purpose. With the SBOE’s ability to approve HQIM tailored to these new TEKS, educators will gain access to vetted, high-quality resources that ensure instructional consistency, reduce the burden on teachers to develop their own materials, and provide all students — regardless of ZIP code — with a rigorous and well-supported math education.
Mathematics is a gateway subject that opens doors to careers in engineering, technology, medicine, and countless other high-demand fields. Texas must ensure that our students are not only competitive but also fully prepared to succeed in these disciplines. The proposed TEKS updates demonstrate a commitment to this goal by strengthening pathways for accelerated learners while maintaining a high standard of mathematical understanding.
Texas 2036 commends the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency for their leadership in making these improvements and we thank you for your dedication to improving education for all Texas students.