The NCTM "Standards": Implementation

In 1989 the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics published the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (Standards). This document provides benchmark statements about specific aspects of the curriculum and about evaluation against which school divisions can judge their own specific curricula. In the fall of 1992 the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium of the Richmond (Virginia) area undertook a study to determine the extent to which local schools were implementing the Standards. This report summarizes findings from a survey of 1,892 teachers, a survey of 108 principals, and focus group interviews with 24 selected teachers. Overall, data suggest that there is uneven implementation of the Standards and that the changes made by some teachers are by no means universal. The driving force in the classroom remains the textbook, and problem solving has not become a central focus. The area of assessment is perhaps least reflective of the Standards. It is recommended that considerable work needs to be done to implement the Standards. Meeting them requires the development of policies that clearly delineate the curriculum to be offered and provide resources to support teacher training and technology. (SLD)