Working Together to Achieve the Vision

Policymakers in Local, State, and National Governments

The decision to implement mathematical text books, standardized tests, and the money for resources is decided by government officials who do not consult the teachers who implement the program. Students need to be given the opportunity to use current technology, software, and manipulatives materials learning mathematics. Government officials need to consult with teaching professionals about the needs to instructing mathematics by providing the funds necessary for all children to have the tools and the chance for higher achievement (NCTM, 2007).

Business and Industry Leaders

What is taught in the classroom and how the text book is written makes the foundation of how our children learn mathematics. We need to look at publishing companies and reform the content of the literature published. This can be done by allowing students to learn mathematics through solving problems in multiple representations including verbally and in written formats. Educators not only need to look at the textbook publications and standardized test but how they can provide classrooms with the needed resources to teach. Students need to use current technology as it applies to business and real-world application to benefit training of today’s youth. Businesses can mold how students perceive the teaching of mathematics by coming into the classroom and informing students on how their profession relates to mathematics. This participation not only helps the students today but informs tomorrow’s workforce of the importance education (NTCM, 2007).

Schools Districts

Administrators and Superintendents need to understand the national commission on teaching mathematics standards in order to implement programs, and the funding that will improve the mathematical achievement of students in the classroom. School districts need to provide teachers the time to adequately plan, reflect and collaborate to accomplish the changes suggested in the NTCM standards. It is the school officials who are responsible for encouraging the necessary change. By creating an environment where the professional development where there is a program that provides a reward system and salary increases in which encourage personal improvements in education (NTCM, 2007).


Change

To create this environment of change we need to look at the profession itself. Teachers do not receive the necessary support from the community that they deserve. Teachers are not the decision makers and are only one tool in where the programs that are implemented into the classroom. Through professional development and colleges educating future teachers the necessary change needed in mathematics education will indeed take place. It is when we share learning and help implement these changes that our students will be successful (NTCM, 2007).

Reference List:

Herrera, T., Kanold, T. D., Koss, R. K., Ryan, P., & Speer, W. R. (2007). Mathematics Teaching
Today: Improving Practice, Improving Student Learning. Reston: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.