Time to end secret data laboratories—starting with the CDC
The American people are waking up to the fact that too many public health leaders have not always been straight with them. Despite housing treasure…
Thought Leader: Marty Makary
Ben Sasse: The Growing Math Crisis in America
When 1 in 12 freshmen can’t do middle school math, that suggests America is in trouble.
In a recent opinion piece, Ben Sasse—former U.S. senator from Nebraska and former university president—examines alarming new data from the University of California San Diego showing a sharp rise in incoming freshmen with severely underprepared math skills. According to a report from UCSD’s Senate-Administration Working Group on Admissions, the number of first-year students with math skills below a high-school level has increased nearly thirtyfold in five years, with some students falling below middle-school proficiency.
Sasse credits UCSD faculty and administrators for publicly acknowledging the problem and argues that the findings reveal deeper, systemic failures across the U.S. education pipeline. He identifies three intersecting crises: selective universities admitting underprepared students, high schools inflating grades that mask learning gaps, and a broader national decline in math and problem-solving skills among young adults.
The article critiques test-optional admissions policies, calling for renewed academic assessment and remedial education where necessary to preserve institutional credibility. Sasse also raises concerns about accountability at the K–12 level, citing long-term declines in national math proficiency and warning that learning losses cannot be explained by the pandemic alone.
Framing UCSD as a “canary in the coal mine,” Sasse argues that the scale of the issue warrants serious public attention, investigation, and reform. He concludes that addressing the crisis requires an honest assessment of educational standards, transparency about student preparedness, and coordinated efforts to rebuild rigor throughout the education system.
Read the full WSJ article by Ben Sasse to explore his analysis and proposed reforms in detail.
WWSG exclusive thought leader Ben Sasse brings a unique perspective as former U.S. Senator, university president, and New York Timesbestselling author. His compelling analysis examines how digital disruption is reshaping American institutions, offering audiences both historical wisdom and forward-looking strategies for navigating our changing landscape. From defending free speech to building resilient communities, Sasse provides leaders with the intellectual framework needed to address today’s complex challenges. To invite Ben Sasse to your next event, contact WWSG.
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