The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) was founded in 1920 with a goal of improving mathematics instruction from preschool through postsecondary school nationwide. The NCTM happens to be the world's largest mathematics education organization with 110,000 members and more than 260 affiliated groups throughout the United States and Canada. Its members are mathematicians and mathematics educators. The NCTM provides leadership and vision for mathematics educators through professional development conferences and various publications including journals, books, videos and computer software.
The NCTM publishes three documents in particular that communicate their goals for excellence in mathematics education. The 'Curriculum and Evaluations Standards for School Mathematics' offers recommendations on constructing, improving and revising mathematics curricula and evaluation methods. The 'Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics' suggests ways for teachers of mathematics to create helpful and stimulating environments in which their students can learn; environments which facilitate student success and professional growth as educators. The 'Assessment Standards for School Mathematics' gives an insight into what a comprehensive math assessment program should look like as well as provides standards by which to determine the quality of the assessment.
The council, through its various forms of leadership in mathematics education, hopes to foster excellence in and improve mathematics education in such a way so that every student (both male and female) will be ensured equal access to a "Standards"-based education. In particular, the NCTM has molded its Standards to reach students who are learning English as a second language, who are members of underrepresented ethnic groups, who are physically-disabled, who are impoverished and who have not been successful in mathematics. The council also holds position statements on topics ranging from the early childhood education to what students should be equipped with before they have completed their mathematic education; from guiding student attitudes to evaluating teacher performance; and from using technology in the classroom to research in mathematics education. Position statements identify and define problems that are relevant to mathematics education and relate the council's official position while suggesting a course of action.
The council is currently in the process of revising its 'Standards' documents for the next millenium of mathematics education. The new draft in entitled 'Principles and Standards for School Mathematics' and is available online.
Position statements can be browsed through on NCTM's web site, <http://www.nctm.org>. Any other information concerning the council, its publications or events can be obtained from NCTM's Infocentral at (703) 620-9840 ext. 2113 or e-mail at infocentral@nctm.org.
Author: Clarence L. Terry
References:
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: 1998-99 NCTM
Member Handbook, NCTM Goals, Leaders, and Position Statements.
Reston, VA, 1998.
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