nctm - 1 2 Curriculum Focal Points PK-8 A Quest for...

1

2

3
Curriculum Focal Points PK-8—
A Quest for Coherence
Released
September 12, 2006

4
The Problem:
Two Major Issues to Address
•
Long lists of mathematics learning
expectations at the state level with little
consistency across states
•
Emphasis on breadth resulting in lack of
depth, i.e. “mile wide, inch deep” curricula in
mathematics

5
State Year Level Objectives
AZ 2003 4 86
CA 2005 4 56
FL 1996 3-5 33
MD 2004 4 90
MI 2004 4 56
MO 2004 4 33
NC 2003 4 30
NY 2005 3-4 40/133
NJ 2002 4 86
TX 2005 4 35
WA 2004 4 163
Data
from the
C
enter for the
S
tudy of
M
ath
C
urriculum

6
The Rationale:
How to Address the Issues
•
Identify key mathematical ideas across
preK-8 that prepare students for future
mathematics, particularly algebra
•
Identify the mathematics that should be the
focus of instruction and student learning at
each grade level, preK-8

7
Process
Standards
•
Problem Solving
•
Reasoning
•
Communication
•
Connections
•
Representation
Principles
•
Equity
•
Curriculum
Curriculum
•
Teaching
•
Learning
•
Assessment
•
Technology
Content
Standards
•
Number/Operations
•
Algebra
•
Geometry
•
Measurement
•
Data/Probability

8
NCTM Curriculum Principle
A curriculum is more than a collection of
activities. It must be:
•
coherent
•
focused on important mathematics
•
well articulated across the grades
Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
p. 14