The Nation’s Report Card, released yesterday by the National Assessment of Educational Programs (NAEP), found that fewer than 4 out of 10 U.S. fourth and eighth graders are proficient in mathematics.

The report, which is highly regarded by most lawmakers and educators and widely used to measure state and national education levels, found that mathematics proficiency among fourth graders has not substantively improved. The New York Times notes:

Scores increased only marginally for eighth graders and not at all for fourth graders, continuing a sluggish six-year trend of slowing achievement growth since passage of the [No Child Left Behind], which requires schools to bring 100 percent of students to reading and math proficiency by 2014.

The need for effective elementary education and strong economic education across the country remains prevalent. Without basic math skills, it can be almost impossible for young adults to acquire financial literacy and learn how to manage their own money. Not to mention scores of other essential skills like knowing how to calculate interest on a loan or budgeting money for the future. In order to make cost-effective choices in their lives, American consumers must first be provided the fundamental tools for financial literacy. We hope that our nation’s schools recognize the need for qualified educators who can effectively teach math and basic skill sets to students.