Mathematics is a set of tools and processes for thinking through problems. As the language of science and technology, it enables us to organize and predict what goes on in the world. Too often, mathematics education is divorced from these, making the subject matter come across as dry or irrelevant. In fact, the history and development of mathematics has been integrally bound with that of science and technology. Integrative SMT programs, therefore, can help to reveal the dynamism and usefulness of mathematical thinking.

 Many students come to recognize before long that some math is necessary for tasks in life like balancing a checkbook and operating a business, but they see little need for more advanced material. An integrative education, however, should reveal that in an increasingly technological and scientific world, the careers of the future will have high expectations for mathematical literacy.

• What is mathematics?
• Why is mathematics education important?
• How should we teach mathematics?
• What does a good mathematics education look like?
• How can I get my board talking about this?
  

What is mathematics?

• A page-long discussion of the nature of mathematics from a National Academy of Sciences report.
• A detailed account of the nature of mathematics from chapter 2 of AAAS’s Science for All Americans. 

Why is mathematics education important?

• A brief but helpful answer to this question.
• An article addressing the importance of mathematics to future careers.
• A report to the Secretary of Education's Mathematics Summit in Washington, D.C., on February 6, 2003 about the importance of basic math skills.

How should we teach mathematics?

• Rita Barger from the University of Missouri at Kansas City discusses student beliefs about mathematics. [VIDEO]
• A Web site with a variety of K-12 math teaching tools.  
• Resources from the National Council of Teachers of Mathetmatics (NCTM).
• An article in the Washington Post discusses the implications of research demonstrating that teenagers with an innate sense of numbers do better in math.
• The Washington Post reports on the benefits of math specialists to supplement elementary school math education, arguing that many elementary school teachers do not have strong enough backgrounds in math.
• Education Week discusses a study reporting that math software programs have few positive effects on learning here. Although critics argue that the results should be treated with caution, the study's authors suggest that districts reconsider investing in the programs if they have not already.
• An article in the Washington Post discusses research that challenges the notion that numerical ability comes naturally.  Although many students face difficulties in math class, these can be overcome with hard work and dedication.
  

• An introduction to math education standards from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
• NCTM's list of recommendations to help guide the development of national mathematics standards.
• A summarizing table of mathematics standards from NCTM
• Free 120-day trial access to NCTM’s mathematics standards
• Standards from AAAS’s Benchmarks of Science Literacy.  In particular, see Chapter 2 (“The Nature of Mathematics”) and Chapter 9 (“The Mathematical World”).
• A district in Oregon which recently held a forum to discuss best practices in math education with their community.

How can I get my board or community talking about this?

• PowerPoint slides with talking points to help start a conversation about the nature of mathematics. Choose "save" to access talking points.