MATHEMATICS
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics established a commission in 1986 to develop standards of school mathematics. These standards are now widely disseminated and are impacting how mathematics is taught in the nation's schools. These standards recommend that the scope of topics studied be expanded to include more experience with statistics, probability, measurement and ideas commonly utilized in our technological world. The focus is on having students experience mathematics in a more relevant and useful manner, including a greater emphasis on problem solving.
In implementing the NCTM standards, the Hudson City Schools have adopted the Dale Seymour Publications Investigations in Number, Data, and Space series in kindergarten through fifth grade. This series, partially sponsored by the National Science Foundation, has been designed to implement the goals and objectives outlined in the NCTM standards. Specifically, this new program focuses on having students apply mathematics to everyday problem solving situations. This focus encourages students to become more involved in reading, writing, and talking in the language of mathematics. Students are encouraged to think through active involvement, and thus become problem solvers by discovering and applying the power and utility of mathematics.
This approach to the teaching of mathematics places greater emphasis on the following:
n Use of manipulative thinking
n Students working cooperatively in groups
n Discussion of mathematics
n Questioning
n Justification of thinking
n Unity within mathematics
n Problem solving approach to instruction
n Integrating mathematics into other curricular areas
n Use of calculators and computers
This program de-emphasizes:
n Rote practice
n Rote memorization of rules
n One answer and one method
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