Shanghai math methods add up in UK

Debbie Morgan smiles with pride when a previously underperforming British student gives a correct answer in class after learning math the Shanghai way.

"Shanghai math embodies a belief that every child can do well if they are taught well, and that is now leading a mindset change in British schools," said Morgan, who is director for primary schools at Britain's National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics.

British schools are embracing Shanghai math teaching methods with ever-increasing enthusiasm. So far, 5,000 of Britain's 16,000 primary schools have adopted Shanghai methods, and the United Kingdom government has committed 41 million pounds ($54 million) to help at least 8,000 schools adopt Shanghai math teaching methods by 2020.