Across the state, only 22 percent of students were proficient in math — a percentage that was lower for Black and low-income students. While overall math performance has improved in the last couple of years around the country, it still remains muted. Early math performance is considered critical for influencing life outcomes, as well as economic opportunity. States are not doing enough to prepare and support teachers to teach math effectively, says Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality. Overall, the NCQT report recommends five policies for states looking to boost math performance.