ABSTRACT

The Show-Me Center, in partnership with four NSF-sponsored middle grades mathematics curriculum development Satellite Centers (University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, University of Montana, and Educational Development Center) provides information and resources needed to support selection and implementation of standards-based middle grades mathematics curricula.

The phrase "standards-based" is used here to refer to implementation of recommendations regarding mathematics curriculum and instructional practice outlined in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989), Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (1991) and the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000). These documents 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, reason logically and use a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems.

The over-arching goal of the Show-Me Project is to ensure the opportunity for every middle school student to study important mathematics within a learning environment that challenges their intellect and engages their interest. Show-Me Project staff believe that opportunity to learn depends upon teacher's mathematical knowledge, their ability to organize instruction and interact with students, a well-articulated curriculum framework, and sound set of curriculum materials. The Show-Me Project's primary work is to support teachers as they implement standards-based curriculum and instructional strategies to better serve their students.

GOALS

The four major goals of the Project are:

Leadership/Infrastructure Development-develop a sustainable leadership infrastructure to initiate and support standards-based curriculum reform, including Show-Me Regional Associates, experienced teacher users of the curricula (Show-Me Master Teachers) and district leadership teams to work at local levels.

Professional Development and Renewal-promote the professional development and renewal of middle school mathematics teachers through curriculum investigation and implementation. The Show-Me staff (Center staff, Satellite staff and Regional Associates) provides assistance to school districts as they design and implement coherent and long-term professional development for teachers organized around standards-based curriculum adoption.

Monitor Impact of the Curricula-encourage and initiate data collection efforts to monitor student performance. The Project also stimulates researchers (new and experienced) by providing information and assistance, including summer Show-Me research institutes.

Disseminate Information-gather and disseminate information to decision-makers and key constituents involved in the improvement of middle school mathematics programs. The staff generates and publishes articles and reports, provides information through its web site and serves as a central source of information regarding middle school mathematics curriculum reform.

^*The material on this site is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation through grant number ESI-0137305. Any opinions, findings, or conclusions expressed in these pages are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.