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Reviewed by: Ben Howard

Rating: 9.5/10

The book "Scaling the Math Achievement Ladder: Teachers Leading the Way to the Top" by Brenda Buckley is a compelling and timely exploration of the challenges and solutions in American mathematics education. It is a clarion call for teachers to take the lead in transforming math education and offers practical strategies for achieving this goal.

With American students lagging behind their international peers in math and science, and approximately half of the students entering community colleges needing remedial assistance in mathematics, this book is a much-needed guide for educators and policymakers. It is based on the authors' more than forty years of combined teaching experience and extensive work in curriculum development, making it a credible and insightful resource.

Buckley's writing style is straightforward and engaging, making complex educational theories and practices accessible to all readers. She successfully combines her academic knowledge with practical classroom experience, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of math education and the steps needed to improve it.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the role of the teacher as the most essential factor in the learning process. While acknowledging the many challenges that teachers face, the book provides a clear and actionable method of instruction that can help every student succeed in math. This method, known as Cumulative Reinforcement of Concepts and Skills (CRCS), is a unique contribution by the authors to the field of math education.

The book is not just a critique of the current state of math education, but a guide for teachers, school administrators, and policymakers on how to improve it. It provides a clear path to the top of the math achievement ladder, making it a must-read for anyone interested in improving American education.

Reading "Scaling the Math Achievement Ladder" offers several benefits. It provides a deep understanding of the challenges in math education and practical solutions to overcome them. It empowers teachers to take the lead in transforming math education and provides them with the tools to do so. It also offers insights into effective curriculum development and instructional strategies.

In conclusion, "Scaling the Math Achievement Ladder: Teachers Leading the Way to the Top" by Brenda Buckley is a beacon of hope for American education. It is a persuasive call to action and a practical guide for improving math education. I highly recommend it to educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of American education.

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