NCTM celebrates Pre K-8 initiative anniversary

Curriculum Focal Points sweeping the nation!

Last year at the National Press Club in Washington, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) President Francis (Skip) Fennell announced the release Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics: A Quest for Coherence, marking NCTM's most significant initiative since 2000.

To date, 20 states and numerous school districts have engaged NCTM in using the Curriculum Focal Points in their development or revision of their state standards or frameworks. More than 825,000 copies of the Points have been downloaded from the NCTM Web site. In addition, more than 10,000 hard copies have been sold.

"Our belief is that the Curriculum Focal Points provides an example for the next generation of curricula and related assessments," said Fennell, who is also a board member of CSSP.

Feedback has been outstanding. In a survey of state supervisors of mathematics the respondents indicate, overwhelmingly, that they will use the focal points to assist them in the next revision of their state standards.

Curriculum focal points are important mathematical topics for each grade level. They are the related ideas, concepts, skills, and procedures that form the foundation for understanding, lasting learning, and success in higher mathematics.

Curriculum Focal Points provides guidance for connecting curricula to the Principles and Standards. The Curriculum Focal Points address curriculum, or what is taught, rather than instruction, or how it is taught. The intent is for these suggestions to lead to the development of mathematics curriculum goals that are more cohesive from grade to grade and from school to school. Through its Connections, the new publication also shows additional ways in which the focal points connect to Principles and Standards.

Mathematics leaders should use the Curriculum Focal Points to launch discussions about the next generation of curriculum standards, textbooks, and tests. These talks can lead to the development of new models for curriculum, instruction, materials, and assessments. Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics represents an important, initial step in advancing collaborative discussions about what mathematics students should know and be able to do.

For More Information

• Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics is available free of charge online. To download the PDF version, visit www.nctm.org/focalpoints/downloads.asp.

• Curriculum Focal Points can be purchased through NCTM's online catalog at www.nctm.org/catalog, or by calling (800) 235-7566.

• A set of Questions and Answers and other information about the focal points are available on the NCTM Web site at www.nctm.org/focalpoints.