From the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Standards
Changes in Content and Emphases in Grades 9-12
Topics to Receive Increased Attention
ALGEBRA
- The use of real-world problems to motivate and apply theory
- The use of computer utilities to develop conceptual understanding
- Computer-based methods such as successive approximations and
- graphing utilities for solving equations and inequalities
- The structure of number systems
- Matrices and their applications
GEOMETRY
- Integration across topics at all grade levels
- Coordinate and transformation approaches
- The development of short sequences of theorems
- Deductive arguments expressed orally and in sentence or paragraph form
- Computer-based explorations of 2-D and 3-D figures
- Three-dimensional geometry
- Real-world applications and modeling
TRIGONOMETRY
- The use of appropriate scientific calculators
- Realistic applications and modeling
- Connections among the right triangle ratios, trigonometric functions, and circular functions
- The use of graphing utilities for solving equations and inequalities
FUNCTIONS
- Integration across topics at all grade levels
- The connections among a problem situation, its model as a function in symbolic form, and the graph of that function
- Function equations expressed in standardized form as checks on the reasonableness of graphs produced by graphing utilities
- Functions constructed as models of real-world problems
STATISTICS
- Probability
DISCRETE MATH
Topics to Receive Decreased Attention
ALGEBRA
- Word problems by type, such as coin, digit, and work
- The simplification of radical expressions
- The use of factoring to solve equations and to simplify rational expressions
- Operations with rational expressions
- Paper-and-pencil graphing of equations by point plotting
- Logarithm calculations using tables and interpolation
- The solution of systems of equations using determinants
- Conic sections
GEOMETRY
- Euclidean geometry as a complete axiomatic system
- Proofs of incidence and ‘between-ness’ theorems
- Geometry from a synthetic viewpoint
- Two-column proofs
- Inscribed and circumscribed polygons
- Theorems for circles involving segment ratios
- Analytic geometry as a separate course
TRIGONOMETRY
- The verification of complex identities
- Numerical applications of sum, difference, double-angle, and half-angle identities
- Calculations using tables and interpolation
- Paper-and-pencil solutions of trigonometric equations
FUNCTIONS
- Paper-and pencil evaluation of functions
- The graphing of functions by hand using tables of values
- Formulas given as models of real-world problems
- The expression of function equations in standardized form in order to graph them
- Treatment as a separate course
Changes in Instructional Practice in Grades 9-12 Math
Increased Attention to:
- The active involvement of students in constructing and applying mathematical ideas
- Problem solving as a means as well as a goal of instruction
- Questioning techniques that promote student interaction
- The use of a variety of instructional formats (small groups, individual explorations, peer instruction, class discussions, project work)
- The use of calculators and computers as tools for learning and doing mathematics
- Student communication of mathematical ideas orally and in writing
- The establishment and application of the interrelatedness of mathematical topics
- The systematic maintenance of student learnings and embedding review in the context of new topics and problem situations
- The assessment of learning as an integral part of instruction
Decreased Attention to:
- Teacher and text as exclusive sources of knowledge
- Rote memorization of facts and procedures
- Extended periods of individual seatwork practicing routine tasks
- Instruction by teacher exposition
- Paper-and-pencil manipulative skill work
- The relegation of testing to an adjunct role with the sole purpose of assigning grades