From the Editor
Welcome to the 1990s!
As we head into the ’90s, mathematics is going to play an increasingly important role; hence, our students must become literate in mathematics. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) presents a strategy tq this challenge. in its “Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics.” I believe that all mathematics teachers have a responsibility to become familiar with the contents of this important document.
The NCTM document pinpoints policy decisions and trends for the future of our society:
Informed Electorate • NCTM identified that teaching mathematics could help develop an informed electorate. In a democracy in which political and social decisions involve increasingly complex technical issues, an educated and informed electorate is critical. Voters must be able to read and interpret complex and sometimes conflicting information tied to the political issues of the day–much of this information involves math concepts. This is a challenge in a society where 25 percent of high school students drop out before graduating, and only a few of those remaining complete four years of high school mathematics.
Math Literate Workers • NCTM identified the need to develop mathematically literate workers because modern methods of production make ever higher demands on workers’ knowledge and skills. Advancing technology means that traditional standards of basic mathematical competence are no longer sufficient. Workers must now understand the complexities and technologies of communication and must be prepared to ask the right questions, assimilate new information, solve unfamiliar problems in unconventional ways and work cooperatively as well as independently.
Opportunity for All Students · Recent statistics indicate. that the majority of math students are white males. Females and minority groups are seriously underrepresented in careers involving science and technology.
Problem Solving Skills for Life • The NCTM study shows that the typical worker will change jobs four to five times over the next 25 years. Individuals will need to adapt, to explore work and career opportunities, to accommodate changing conditions, and to actively seek and create new knowledge. Flexibility implies that mathematics education must emphasize a dynamic literacy centred on the application of mathematics to problem solving.
To conclude, the NCTM’ s reason for teaching mathematics is to develop in all students an understanding of math that lasts a lifetime and grows to meet the demands of our changing society now and in the future.
Art Jorgensen
From the Editor
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