Panel: U.S. 'mediocre' in math

WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- A U.S. government panel has found the nation's students have been performing "at a mediocre level" in math.

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel, which President George Bush appointed in 2006, said the mathematics skills of U.S. students pale in comparison to other students worldwide, The New York Times reported Friday.

The panel recommended that U.S. schools increase their focus on math skills that prepare students for algebra.

"The sharp falloff in mathematics achievement in the U.S. begins as students reach late middle school, where, for more and more students, algebra course work begins," the panel's report said. "Students who complete Algebra II are more than twice as likely to graduate from college compared to students with less mathematical preparation."

The report proposed specific goals be adopted for students in different grades. By the end of third grade, for example, the report recommends that students be able to add and subtract whole numbers proficiently. At the end of fifth grade, students should be able to multiply and divide whole numbers, the report said.