Principles for School Mathematics
MMSD has adopted the following six NCTM principles for school mathematics. Decisions about the content and nature of mathematics education have important consequences for students and society. The following principles should be followed when developing curriculum frameworks, selecting curriculum materials, planning instructional units or lessons, designing assessments, assigning teachers and students to classes, making instructional decisions in the classroom, and establishing supportive professional development programs for teachers.
Equity
Excellence in mathematics education requires equity—high expectations and strong support for all students.
Curriculum
Curriculum is more than a collection of activities. The curriculum must be coherent, focused on important mathematics, and well articulated across the grades.
Teaching
Effective mathematics teaching requires understanding what students know and need to learn and then challenging and supporting them to learn it well.
Learning
Students must learn mathematics with understanding, actively building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge.
Assessment
Assessment should support the learning of important mathematics and furnish useful information to both teachers and students.
Technology
Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.