Schools coach teachers in math to improve student understanding

Will 10 fingers be enough? Annika Ricci tries to work out a math problem during class at Viers Middle Elementary School in Silver Spring. (By Kevin Clark -- The Washington Post)

Introducing algebra basics to first-graders isn't hard, but requires elementary educators to be far more comfortable with numbers than most are, education experts say. "You can't teach what you don't know, and your students won't love the subject unless you love the subject," said Kenneth I. Gross, a University of Vermont mathematics and education professor. "All of mathematics depends on what kids do in the elementary grades." The Washington Post