The overarching objective and desired outcome of a mathematics education that applies to all students is the development of:  1. Problem solving skills, 2. Critical thinking ability, and 3. A reflective and adaptable mindset.  The reduction of mathematics into discrete standards is often at conflict with these objectives.  Procedural proficiency is very important, but also analogous to the mechanical ability to form letters and spell correctly.  The ability to write in order to communicate a thought, and read, in order to understand a new idea, is built upon those fundamentals.

Similarly, mathematics education should help students to develop and explore ideas, share thoughts and insights, as well as understand and evaluate foreign ideas and concepts.  In short, a success mathematics program will develop mathematical literacy in students.  Instruction and guidance combine to form “half” of the components required for students to pursue a mathematics education.

Read more about how we serve these lofty goals by integrating various points of focus in each lesson and assessment.