A new study out today finds that many of the nation's lowest-performing middle-schoolers are in way over their heads. They take algebra and other advanced math courses before they've mastered basic skills such as multiplication, division and problem-solving with fractions.
![](https://media.nbcwashington.com/2019/09/OTT-Washington-DC.png?fit=1920%2C1080&quality=85&strip=all&w=400&h=44&crop=1)