Mathematics Standards in the State of New York

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Mathematics Standards in the State of New York

• Univ. Prof. Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier
• Distinguished Lecturer, New York City College of
  Technology-CUNY
• Professor Emeritus, The City College- CUNY
• Former Dean, School of Education-CCNY/CUNY
• Member of the New York State Mathematics
  Standards Commission

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A Brief History of Mathematics Education in the
USA

• 1950 University of Illinois Commission on
  School Mathematics
• 1958-77 Post-Sputnik reform New Math
• 1970s Back to Basics equal access!
• 1980s Infusion of Technology- role of
  computers in the curriculum
• 1990s Continuation/correction
• 2000s No Child Left Behind Testing!

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History of Mathematics Standards

• 1980 NCTM Agenda for Action (NCTM)
• 1989 Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for
  School Mathematics (NCTM)
• 1991 Professional Standards for Teaching
  Mathematics (NCTM)
• 1995 Assessment Standards for School
  Mathematics (NCTM)
• 2006 Curriculum Focal Points for
  Prekindergarten through Grade 8
  Mathematics A Quest for Coherence (NCTM)
• 2008 Foundations for Success
• (National Math. Advisory Panel)

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Standards Principles

• Equity
• Curriculum
• Teaching
• Learning
• Assessment
• Technology

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Content Standards

• Number and Operations
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Data Analysis and Probability

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Process Standards

• Problem Solving
• Reasoning and Proof
• Communication
• Connections
• Representation

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New York State StandardsA Brief History

• 1866 NYS institutes Regents Examinations
• 1980s NYS tries to copy European style
  curriculum
• 1990s NYS raises minimum competensies to
  include algebra
• 2003 Math-A Examination fiasco
• 2005 Math Standards approved
• (see http//www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/math/stan
  dards/core.html )

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Standards Preparation Process

• Commission selected
• Monthly meetings
• Reviewed existing standards USA and beyond
• Subcommittees prepare outlines for total group
  consideration
• Experts interviewed
• Standards draft prepared
• Public reaction
• Revisions based on broad feedback
• Adoption by NYS Board of Regents (March 2005)
• Implementation

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New York State Standards
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Reaction to the new Standards

• Welcomed by teachers better guidance to
  required curriculum
• Concern by school districts teacher preparation
  insufficient
• Parents optimistic
• Testing becomes under attack

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Some of todays controversy

• How to monitor standards
• Is there too much emphasis on testing Teaching
  to the test
• With mathematics and English getting tested, what
  is happening to the other school subjects?
• Should the evaluation of teachers be based on
  student test results?

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Thanks for your kind attention!I am pleased to
answer any questions.