This is the position statement of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics describing the essential mathematical competencies that citizens will need to begin adulthood in the twenty-first century. Twelve components of essential mathematics, the learning environment, technology, evaluation, and extension of the essentials are described.…

Describes how to teach the solving of multistep problems without recording the intermediate results. Stresses using calculators having memories and necessary functions. Provides activity worksheets. (YP)

Suggests that teachers use "warm-up" activities to introduce their lessons. Examples of 25 such activities are presented. All of the activities can be modified to meet the needs of particular students. (JN)

Discussed are some questionable practices involving the teaching of mathematics to prospective elementary school teachers. NCTM is challenged to delineate the spirit and content of mathematics courses required of elementary teachers. (CT)

Presents games for practicing and reinforcing the basic facts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in spite of differences in age and ability. Describes the materials and rules for the games. (YP)

During a classroom investigation of Goldbach's conjecture a student proposed that every even number is the difference of two primes. A table of values is reproduced here, and the history of this problem is briefly discussed. (SD)

Palindromic numbers (numerals that read the same backwards and forwards) are investigated. Examples show how palindromic sums can be obtained and a further analysis of these sums is made. (DT)

A comprehensive mathematics preparation component for the elementary school teacher education program at Oregon State University is described. Recommendations influencing the program are listed and the curriculum is described. (MNS)