Suppose you were an alien trying to understand how people in the United States feel about the Common Core School Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). You could look at the Internet, mass media, YouTube and all of the other venues available. Walking away from them, you would be very confused about whether the U.S. loves or hates the CCSSM, whether…

The purpose of this study was to obtain the attitudes and beliefs of mathematics teachers in the School District of Philadelphia regarding an eighth grade middle school mathematics core curriculum. This study explored the attitudes and beliefs of teachers in the reform of an eighth grade math "Core Curriculum, Math In Context" (School…

The purpose of this Executive Position Paper is to examine the ways in which teachers learn to implement a new mathematics curriculum. The four case study teachers described in this paper were in their first and second year of teaching the "Investigations" curriculum. In the course of learning to teach with "Investigations," the teachers were…

A response to recent criticisms of new mathematics programs in the elementary schools. Attempts to clarify some of the goals and methods of these programs. (BD)

The writer reminds readers that the polemics of reform frequently portray the realm of teaching and learning in more extreme terms than is really necessary. Likening calls for educational reform to scientific revolutions sparked by Kuhn, Darwin and Copernicus, that jettison completely the assumptions and premises of the theories they replace, Bond…

The transition to modern mathematics in the schools is described, and future changes are predicted. Problems which could develop with the current trends toward use of computers, calculators, multiple choice examinations, and new teaching materials are noted. (SD)

Describes why a traditional arithmetic curriculum is no longer appropriate. Also presents the rationale behind some of the newer methods of mathematics instruction in the elementary schools. (BD)

Describes methods for explaining advances in mathematics teaching to parents. Explains important points to be made, followed by examples of how the Everyday Mathematics program responds to each issue. Examples of points include Teachers as Facilitators, Subject Integration, Focus on Reasoning and Problem Solving, Emphasis on Communication, Meeting…

Presents a talk on the history of mathematics and mathematics education by comparing the new math era and the current era. Discusses the beliefs of anti-reformers and concerns at the college level. (ASK)

This paper, the author's introductory remarks at a British conference concerning Modern Mathematics and the Teaching of Science, describes the contrasting objectives of students, mathematicians, and scientists with respect to the mathematics curriculum. (SD)

While group theory is an important part of mathematics, it should not be taught before college. The problems which led to its historical development are too difficult for the schools, and the use of simple problems invites misconceptions. There are very few easily stated physical applications. (SD)

This paper asserts that the key to algebra reform is to integrate algebraic reasoning across all grades and all topics, to "algebrafy" school mathematics. The distinction is made between algebra "the institution" and algebra "the web of knowledge and skill," which is also clarified. Finally, suggestions are made as to how the educational community…

This publication provides reports from several mathematics educators on the gains that have been made, and the problems still unsolved, related to curriculum activities in mathematics. Answers to certain key questions which are basic in curriculum development are explored--(1) What are the goals of teaching mathematics, (2) What mathematical…

Compares the origins, curricular and pedagogical content, and impact of the new math and standards-based reform movements, describing: events leading up to this new math era and characteristics of representative curriculums; the demise of the movement; the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' standards-based reform movement; and reactions…