OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A math expert says proposed Nebraska math standards are aimed at providing students with a deeper understanding of the subject.

The new standards would reduce the number of skills and concepts taught in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Lincoln Public Schools math curriculum specialist Matt Larson told the newspaper that teachers would spend more time on each standard so students could acquire more than a superficial understanding. Larson says the deeper understanding would make it less likely that students would “hit a wall” when they encountered tougher math problems.

The standards are scheduled to be voted on next month by the Nebraska State Board of Education.