Revised Mathematics Standards Provide More Guidance

By Ulrich Boser

Revised math standards released last week by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics show a greater emphasis on basic skills and content knowledge.

Called "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics," the standards were unveiled in Chicago at the organization's annual meeting. They reflect the latest research on the teaching of the subject, according to the NCTM, and provide voluntary new national benchmarks for instruction in grades K-12.

The modifications, which list specific tasks that students should accomplish at key grade levels, respond to criticisms that the original standards, released in 1989, put too much emphasis on new ideas over such fundamental skills as arithmetic. ( "Math Revisions Add Emphasis on Basic Skills," ...