To the Editor:
In the article “White House Suggests Model Used in Reading to Elevate Math Skills” (Feb. 15, 2006), the “Finding Common Ground in K-12 Mathematics Education” document is referenced as a publication of the American Mathematical Society. In fact, this project, led by Richard Schaar, is under the auspices of the Mathematical Association of America.
This week, March 2-5, the MAA will host a meeting of approximately 50 mathematicians and mathematics educators to expand on the work of the six who authored the first “Common Ground” report. These discussions are only a start to the hard work of developing a broad coalition to make substantive progress in addressing the shortcomings (whether real or perceived) of the current state of mathematics instruction in our nation’s schools.
Additional (though still quite preliminary) information regarding the project can be found at www.maa.org/common-ground.
For the record, the American Mathematical Association, our sister society, is headquartered in Providence, R.I.
Michael Pearson
Director of Programs and Services
Mathematical Association of America
Washington, D.C.