Can't read article, paywall or adblock or something.

Is it because our popular culture ridicules being good at math as nerdy?

Is it because almost every american can name at least one sports or pop singer who makes multiple millions but probably has never even heard of a mathematician let alone be able to name one.

The root cause is we don't value math as a society. Until we do, we won't spend the effort needed to figure out how to teach individuals better.