United voice on the importance of mathematics education

Four of Australia’s dean’s councils have united to release a joint statement calling for national action to reverse the decline in participation in secondary and tertiary level mathematics.

The Presidents of the Australian Council of Deans of Science (ACDS), Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED), Australasian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (ACEDD), and the Australasian Council of Information and Communications Technology (ACDICT) have issued a joint statement calling for urgent national action to reverse the decline in secondary and tertiary level mathematics through incentives to boost Year 11–12 enrolments, investment in teacher upskilling, reinstatement of mathematics prerequisites for key university courses, and the creation of affordable pathways for students to access STEM degrees.

The joint statement: Reinforcing the Foundations of Australia’s Future Through Mathematics Education highlights that there are many factors contributing to the decline in students studying mathematics at school and in university, ranging from a shortage of mathematics teachers, limited professional development opportunities for teachers or time to engage in existing programs, and uncertainties regarding potential career opportunities for students who study mathematics.

The joint statement – available here advocates for a comprehensive strategy focused on:

• Igniting interest in mathematics from the early years of education, across culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students.

• Showcasing the value of mathematics to secondary students by linking critical thinking skills to real-world problem-solving.

• Encouraging future high school teachers to specialise in science or maths during their training, while providing nationally coordinated professional development to support out-of-field mathematics teachers, in alignment with AMSI proposals.