Drew Wilson
The Florida Chamber Foundation has released a new report calling for urgent improvements in math education to better prepare students for Florida’s evolving job market.
As part of its Florida 2030 Blueprint, the Foundation emphasizes strengthening the state’s talent pipeline to support its goal of becoming a Top 10 global economy.
The report, Aligning Math Education to Workforce Needs: Insights From Florida’s Employers, highlights a persistent gap between the math skills taught in K-12 schools and those required by employers across industries.
Drawing on data from surveys and focus groups with business leaders, educators and parents, the research report recommends integrating real-world math applications into curricula, exposing students to math-intensive careers early in their education, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and industry.
“This is a solvable issue,” said Dr. Keith Richard, Vice President of Research at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “By aligning education with workforce needs, we can better equip students for long-term career success.”
Math proficiency correlates with job performance in many roles, from technical to leadership positions. While 65% of Florida’s eighth graders are currently proficient in math, the report stresses the need for continued progress.
“This report is a call to action,” said Bemetra Simmons, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “Every percentage point gained represents a stronger economy and a brighter future for Florida’s students.”
The findings echo concerns from the Foundation’s 2016 report on educational accountability and the results will be further explored during the upcoming “Learners to Earners Summit,” which will be held on June 24 in Tampa.
To access the full report, visit flchamber.com/matheducation.
