NSF STANDARDS-BASED MIDDLE GRADE CURRICULA

A printable (PDF format) summary of each of the NSF mathematics curricula at all K-12 grade levels is provided at http://www2.edc.org/mcc/PDF/CurricSum8.pdf

Twelve school mathematics curriculum projects were funded in 1992 by the National Science Foundation to develop comprehensive "standard-based" curricula. The phrase "standards-based" is used here to refer to implementation of recommendations regarding mathematics curriculum and instructional practice as described in the NCTM Standards. These Standards call for curriculum and instruction that engages, challenges, and prepares students for continued study and growth in mathematical skills and understandings, causes them to develop mathematical habits of mind and to understand and appreciate the role of mathematics in human affairs. The intent of the Standards is that students become mathematically literate, including being able to explore, conjecture, to reason logically and to use a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems.

Each curricula represents a comprehensive (not supplementary or ancillary) program based on the premise that the mathematics content and teaching methodology of the middle grades should:

• be designed to reach ALL students;
• focus on investigations that interest, challenge and motivate students;
• identify and explore "significant" mathematical concepts that will prepare students for continuing to learn mathematics in high school;
• engage students as active learners of mathematics;
• require teachers and students to assume different roles, including coach and co-investigator;
• illustrate use of alternative forms of evaluation such as portfolios.
  

Each curricula is unique and should be explored by those considering implementing a standards-based curriculum.