What is meant by standards-based mathematics curricula?
The phrase “standards-based mathematics curriculum” refers to curriculum, including guiding frameworks and student and teacher materials, reflecting/enacting recommendations for mathematics curriculum and instructional practice outlined in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000). Standards-based mathematics programs have the following characteristics: • Comprehensive. They are based on the broad content of the national standards at each grade level: Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability. They also incorporate the mathematical processes of Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Connections, and Representation. • Coherent. They are woven together as a whole, with ideas connecting to each other. They are not repetitive, and the sequence from one grade to the next gives students the preparation they need for the next learning step. • Depth. Important a
