Math Wars: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

Parents are concerned about their children's math learning. Teachers are concerned about math teaching. When parents see what children are bringing home under the new curriculum, it is clear that their children are not working on the same mathematics that parents remember from the time when they were in school. But, the problem goes beyond grades K-12. Post-secondary mathematics courses are the fear of many students. The standards created by the NCTM do not necessarily prepare students for success, either on SATs or in college. Besides lack of knowledge about mathematics education, many parents have an additional problem in that they feel they lack knowledge in mathematics itself. This is very intimidating; thus it is difficult for parents to do anything about the confusing state of mathematics education. This book provides some answers. The following chapters are contained in this book: (1) Introduction; (2) What Preceded the Math Wars? (3) What is Constructivism? (4) What Does Research Say about the Math Wars? (5) Who Are the Math Wars Players and on Which Side Are They? (6) What Are the NCTM Standards? (7) What Distinguishes NCTM-Oriented Curricula? (8) What Distinguishes NCTM-Oriented Problems from Traditional Problems? (9) What Happens to Students as They Reach the College Level? (10) What Is Happening Internationally in Mathematics Education? (11) Both Sides of the Question; and (12) Additional Resources.