While the federal government and the nation's school systems have made strides toward improving mathematics education, the knowledge base supporting these efforts has been weak. In response, the RAND Mathematics Study Panel has proposed an R&D program supporting the improvement of mathematics proficiency among U.S. school students. The panel identified three areas for focused R&D development of teachers' mathematical knowledge, teaching and learning of skills for mathematical thinking and problem solving, and teaching and learning of algebra from kindergarten through grade 12.