Zearn CEO Shalini Sharma advocates for innovative math education during Maryland board meeting

The Maryland State Board of Education convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in mathematics education, culminating in the adoption of a comprehensive math policy aimed at enhancing student learning across the state. The meeting featured a presentation by Shalini Sharma, co-founder of Zearn, a nonprofit educational organization that has transformed math learning for over a million students nationwide.

Sharma emphasized the importance of fostering a love for math among students and shared insights from her extensive research and experience in math education. She highlighted the alarming statistic that 73% of fourth graders struggled with a basic fraction problem, underscoring the need for a shift in teaching methods. Sharma advocated for a balanced approach that combines fluency with conceptual understanding, utilizing visual aids and real-life contexts to make math relatable and engaging.

The board's discussions also focused on the newly developed math policy, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality math education for all students, particularly those from historically underserved backgrounds. The policy emphasizes the necessity of multi-tiered support systems to help students catch up and succeed in math, moving away from a mindset that labels some students as "not math kids."

In response to community feedback, the board refined the policy to include explicit strategies for supporting students with disabilities and multilingual learners, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to progress in their math education. The policy also outlines the importance of family engagement and collaboration with local education agencies to enhance instructional practices.

As the board prepares for the implementation of this policy, members expressed optimism about its potential to transform math education in Maryland. The commitment to fostering a culture where every student can thrive in math was echoed throughout the meeting, with a clear call to action for educators, families, and community leaders to support this initiative.

The Maryland State Board of Education's adoption of this comprehensive math policy marks a pivotal step towards improving math literacy and achievement across the state, aiming to create a future where all students can confidently engage with mathematics.