What are the basic messages of Principles and Standards for School Mathematics?
Overall, the NCTM Standards documents advocate a broader and more meaningful mathematics curriculum that meets the needs of a far greater proportion of the student population than has been true in the past. NCTM’s Principles and Standards for School Mathematics sets ambitious goals for the teaching and learning of mathematics, including the following: • Learning mathematics with understanding and acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to solve mathematical problems • Having an in-depth knowledge of the traditional basics of mathematics as well as the expanded basics—such as data analysis and statistics—needed for the technological world in which we live • Developing reasoning skills that will engender flexible and resourceful problem solving Achieving these goals requires solid mathematics curricula, competent and knowledgeable teachers who can integrate instruction with assessment, education policies that enhance and support learning, classrooms with ready access to technology, and
