The book "Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics" is a comprehensive report by the Study Committee on Mathematics Learning, established by the National Research Council in 1998. The committee, chaired by Jeremy Kilpatrick, aimed to synthesize research on pre-kindergarten to Year 8 mathematics learning and provide advice for educators, researchers, policymakers, and parents. The book addresses two central problems: achievement and equity, highlighting that many students struggle with mathematics and that certain groups are underrepresented in successful mathematics education. The report identifies five strands of mathematical proficiency: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition. It argues that traditional curricula and teaching methods in the US focus too much on procedural fluency, which is less effective than the other strands. The report calls for a comprehensive overhaul of mathematics education, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across various stakeholders. The book is structured into several chapters, with a significant portion dedicated to the curriculum strand of Number. These chapters provide a detailed overview of numerical concepts, early mathematical knowledge, arithmetic, and more advanced topics like rational numbers and algebra. The report also discusses teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of interactions between teachers, students, and mathematical content. It offers practical recommendations for improving mathematics education, including the need for sustained professional development and the availability of mathematics specialists in elementary schools. While the book focuses heavily on the teaching of Number, some critics argue that this may imply an overemphasis on algorithmic mathematics and a lack of attention to real-world applications. Despite this, the report is highly recommended for its thorough research and clear, balanced recommendations. It serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and policymakers in mathematics education.The book "Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics" is a comprehensive report by the Study Committee on Mathematics Learning, established by the National Research Council in 1998. The committee, chaired by Jeremy Kilpatrick, aimed to synthesize research on pre-kindergarten to Year 8 mathematics learning and provide advice for educators, researchers, policymakers, and parents. The book addresses two central problems: achievement and equity, highlighting that many students struggle with mathematics and that certain groups are underrepresented in successful mathematics education. The report identifies five strands of mathematical proficiency: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition. It argues that traditional curricula and teaching methods in the US focus too much on procedural fluency, which is less effective than the other strands. The report calls for a comprehensive overhaul of mathematics education, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across various stakeholders. The book is structured into several chapters, with a significant portion dedicated to the curriculum strand of Number. These chapters provide a detailed overview of numerical concepts, early mathematical knowledge, arithmetic, and more advanced topics like rational numbers and algebra. The report also discusses teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of interactions between teachers, students, and mathematical content. It offers practical recommendations for improving mathematics education, including the need for sustained professional development and the availability of mathematics specialists in elementary schools. While the book focuses heavily on the teaching of Number, some critics argue that this may imply an overemphasis on algorithmic mathematics and a lack of attention to real-world applications. Despite this, the report is highly recommended for its thorough research and clear, balanced recommendations. It serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and policymakers in mathematics education.