Bob Moses Research Center for Math Literacy at FIU

At the heart of a changing educational landscape, The Bob Moses Research Center for Math Literacy Through Public Education at Florida International University (FIU) is committed to transforming math education for our children. This Center at FIU is more than just a research institution; it's a catalyst for change. Our strategies aim to increase the capacity for educators, researchers, and communities to confront and solve the nation's challenge of delivering successful math teaching and learning for all students. 

Our mission is clear: to improve math education in our public schools and amplify the voices and stories of our children. 

Our nation is facing a math education crisis. National and international assessments have exposed alarming statistics:

• 68% of all students in the USA fail to achieve proficiency in Mathematics.
• Florida's 8th-grade students face a staggering 77% failure rate in math proficiency.
• On an international scale, US education ranks a concerning 30th in student math proficiency. 

In an era where math literacy is vital for economic survival and full citizenship in the 21st century, these statistics are not just alarming; they're a call to action. Our children deserve better, and it's our responsibility to provide it.

Our solution-centered strategies include:

Building on a Tradition of Success with Students

For four decades, Bob Moses championed the cause of math education. He founded the Algebra Project (AP), shaping it into a critical game-changer for low-performing students. The Algebra Project doesn't just prepare them to complete Algebra I and graduate from high school; it ensures their readiness for college and career opportunities, without needing math remediation. 

Serving as a National Hub for Teacher Development

One of the key pillars for student success and well-being is attracting and retaining excellent teachers. Research reveals that 81% of teachers who leave the profession cite the lack of relevant, ongoing professional development as a major reason. By focusing on strong teacher development in content and instruction, we aim to support all schools in delivering rich math-learning experiences to every child. The Center will build online and university spaces for innovative, research-based teacher development in mathematics education from K-12 and beyond.

 Serving as the National Bob Moses Center Research Laboratories Hub

Too often, crucial voices are missing from the research process. Teachers, parents, and student communities are frequently excluded from research design and implementation, leading to a vast disconnect between research and real-world needs.  Our approach aims to change this power dynamic. Communities, including their teachers, parents, and students, will become equal partners in the research process. 

The Lab initiative seeks to establish research hubs within major universities in cities hosting AP and YPP projects nationwide. These hubs will empower communities to play an active role in:

• Conducting rigorous research.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange within and outside student and academic communities.
• Building collaborative networks to disseminate research insights far and wide.

Join Us in Transforming Math Education! Together, we can empower our youth to drive transformative institutional change and unlock a world of opportunities through math education.  Support the Bob Moses Research Center program fund today!