Overview of NCTM:
NCTM was founded in 1920 and is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving math education. There are over 100,000 members and over 240 Affiliates. NCTM publishes: Teaching Children Mathematics, Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, the Mathematics Teacher, the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, and ON-Math, the online journal of school mathematics as well as the NCTM News Bulletin. If you are a math educator, have an interest in math education the NCTM is for you.
Why Join the NCTM?:
If you have a sincere interest in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students, are a math enthusiast, educator, student or parent, NCTM has many benefits. There are several types of memberships available. The full membership gives you access to all of their publications, article archives, online access to a wealth of resources, access to the estandards and a plethora of teaching resources and lessons for a variety of different levels Kindergarten through to grade 12.
NCTM Standards:
The standards provides guidelines about what children/students should learn at each grade level. Many educational jurisdictions follow these standards when designing their mathematics curricula. The standards provides a basic outline for jurisdictions to base their own guidelines, expectations, outcomes or curricula around. The standards have four grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. The focus is definitely on the basics AND problem solving.
Content of the Standards:
The Content Standards are Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability. The Process Standards are Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Connections, and Representation. When doing a search for your jurisdiction's math curricula, you'll find that the content will be very similar to the NCTM Standards and will provide you with excellent guidelines. Free for 120 days
NCTM Professional Development:
The NCTM Academy for Professional Development offers
two- and five-day Institutes throughout the United States that
are hands-on and designed to provide understanding and
application of Principles and Standards. There are also eWorkshops and regional conferences available.
NCTM Shop Online:
Some of the best resources I've purchased have been from NCTM, a source I completely trust. You'll find a list of top sellers as well as new products. Regardless of the grade you teach, you'll find excellent resources to support a greater understanding of mathematics. If you want to become a better math teacher and want to ensure students learn, resources here will transform your teaching. Visit the Online Store
NCTM Position Statements:
One of my favorite components to NCTM is their position statements. There are always issues, debates about teaching mathematics, debates about calculator use and much more. NCTM provides their position and thought provoking statements. Currently you'll find information on testing, teacher evaluation and effectiveness (hot topic) researcy, retention and technology. NCTMs position are well worth a
