Mathematics, like reading, is fundamental. Math sharpens the mind by cultivating logical thinking. It bats cleanup in STEM’s learning disciplines indispensable in the digital age. We welcome the Maryland State Board of Education’s unanimous vote last Tuesday to revise the way math is taught across Maryland’s 24 school systems beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

Instead of offering Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II as separate courses over three years, these subjects will be integrated and, along with statistics, taught over two years. Surveys show that weaving important math concepts into the middle and high school years is popular and successful in other countries.

Math has only become more essential, especially for college and career readiness. It unlocks countless job opportunities in science, engineering and technology, finance, economics and computer science.

It is alarming that only about a quarter of high school seniors have acquired proficiency in math, including Maryland students.

The same old same old has failed in math. Something new is urgent. So strategies like increasing teacher pay, tailoring curriculum to student aptitudes, hiring teacher coaches and offering special classes for the gifted are promising. The price is well worth the cost of admission. The price tag of math ignorance is incalculable.

Blueprint supporters recognize that schools need to make measurable progress or it’s back to square one. Math skills make Maryland more competitive.

Even students in their private lives, knowing they’ll have to calculate income taxes at some point, understand they will flounder without a mastery of mathematics.