Mathematics Education

Mathematical proficiency is essential for every student in Wisconsin. Doors of opportunity are opened for those who are competent and confident in mathematics. As educators and leaders at all levels, pre-kindergarten through college, we must take on the challenge and the responsibility to ensure that all of our students are equipped mathematically to be successful as they transition to the ever changing world beyond our classrooms.

A strong pre-K-12 mathematics education for all students is increasingly important to our nation’s economic stability, future national security, and workforce productivity. An economically competitive society recognizes the importance of mathematics learning to adult numeracy and financial literacy, and it depends on citizens who are mathematically literate. (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2011 Legislative Platform)

Our Students’ Futures

Students are faced with a future that demands that they are accomplished problem solvers, able to represent and interpret data in a variety of formats, able to use mathematics to make financial and health-based decisions, and able to apply mathematical knowledge and thinking to their careers and other real-life experiences. They must be equipped for a changing world and they need to have options for a variety of career paths. To achieve this goal, every student must have access to and engage in meaningful, challenging, and rigorous mathematics. Proficiency and confidence in mathematics can no longer be limited to a select few.

When today’s students become adults, they will face new demands for mathematical proficiency that school mathematics should attempt to anticipate. Moreover, mathematics is a realm no longer restricted to a select few. All young Americans must learn to think mathematically, and they must think mathematically to learn. (Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics, National Research Council 2001)

DPI Mathematics Resources

This webpage and Teaching and Learning Mathematics in Wisconsin provide resources to support Wisconsin’s mathematics educators.

HELPFUL RESOURCES AND REPORTS

Adding It Up
Addressing Accessibility in Mathematics
AYP Handbook
Cognitively Guided Instruction
Developing Mathematical Thinking with Effective Questions (from PBS TeacherLine)
Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
National Math Panel Report
Planning Curriculum in Mathematics
What to Look for in a Mathematics Classroom
Wisconsin Center for Education Research

MATHEMATICS ORGANIZATIONS

Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators
Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics
Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics Association of America
National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Wisconsin Mathematics Council
Wisconsin Mathematics Leadership Council (Contact Diana Kasbaum)
Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

WI Mathematics Council Annual Conference and Regional Professional Development Opportunities
Einstein Fellowship
PBS TeacherLine Online Courses

For questions about this information, contact Diana Kasbaum (608) 266-7712

Last updated on 11/2/2011 1:06:41 PM