Unlike many other well-developed nations, the United States does not have a nationwide standardized math curriculum for middle schools.  Math materials that are taught in elementary through high school are determined largely by states or local school districts.

As a result of this practice, by the time students reach college, there is often a great discrepancy in their math skills. U.S. students are also not as advanced in math as students in many other countries.

In an effort to correct this problem, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has developed a U.S. curriculum standard for each level of math from middle through high school.  This curriculum was not intended to replace state and local curriculums, but rather to serve as a guideline for those schools that are interested in improving their student’s math skills so that they can be successful in math related fields when they are in college.

The overall curriculum guide for middle schools are focused on a wide range of topics rather than a deep focus on each area - thus students are introduced to many concepts yet their understanding of each concept is limited.  Often students may forget what has been taught by the time they reach high school unless they are under vigorous homework schedules throughout these middle school years. This is usually one feature of most accelerated or gifted programs.