Louisiana State University highlighted on April 28 the work of its staff and faculty in supporting math education, focusing on changing students’ attitudes toward mathematics across the state.
The announcement comes as Louisiana’s fourth-grade math ranking improved from 50th in 2019 to 38th in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report Best States. This improvement reflects ongoing efforts by educators and university programs aimed at boosting student achievement and confidence in mathematics.
Soula O’Bannon, undergraduate program manager for LSU’s Department of Mathematics since 1983, said her role is about maintaining a strong foundation through consistent support. “Math Awareness Month is about inspiring people to find the beauty in math,” said O’Bannon. “There is not one facet of our lives where math is not used — budgeting, time management, buying groceries. Everyone uses it every day; they just may not realize it.” She added: “Once you find the key to learning math, there is nothing in the world you cannot do. It starts with believing in yourself.”
Sarah Rispone, program manager for GeauxTeach STEM at LSU, works with future educators who will teach throughout Louisiana. Rispone said that progress requires intentional action: “Moving from 50th to 38th doesn’t happen by chance,” she said. “It reflects years of intentional work by educators across the state who are committed to doing things differently.” She also noted: “Recognition like this signals that math education is a priority… It brings visibility to the work educators are doing every day.” According to Rispone: “When students build confidence early, it changes what they believe they’re capable of. If we want to change outcomes, we have to change experiences — and that starts with the teachers we’re preparing today.” She concluded: “GeauxTeach is about preparing educators who don’t just teach math but change how students experience it.”
Faculty members like Jiuyi Zhu bring hands-on demonstrations into local schools as part of community outreach efforts designed to make mathematics tangible for young learners. Zhu said: “All the middle and elementary school students are learning mathematics every day, but they do not know how math is used in their daily life… Every physical phenomenon has a math background.” He described using vibrating plates that form patterns in sand during demonstrations: “It is astonishing to watch the sands move on their own, forming intricate, beautiful patterns,” he said.
Robb Brumfield, interim dean of LSU College of Science stated: “Math education in Louisiana is moving in the right direction, and the LSU faculty and staff behind this work are a big reason why. Their work — seen and unseen — is shaping what students across this state believe they’re capable of.”