This month's Recommended Reading, "Faster isn't Smarter (Messages About Math, Teaching, and Learning in the 21st Century)" has 41 short essays to generate ideas and discussion about Math education. The Math topic is an update on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in the US. "Engineering Your Future with STEM" aka "Math Needs Better PR" will be presented by Robin to pre-engineering students this summer and was published in the NCSM (National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics) Summer Newsletter.
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Recommended Reading
 Cathy Seeley wrote many of these provocative pieces when she was NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) president from 2004 to 2006. She tackles difficult topics like "More Math, More Dropouts?" as raising academic standards can discourage some students from finishing school. Another excellent message is "Pushing Algebra Down: Is Sooner Better?" which details how eighth grade Algebra can lead to less Math in high school. Seeley refers to innovative thinkers outside of education like Thomas Friedman and Stephen Covey for economic, political and motivational insights and wisdom. Her forthcoming 2013 book is called "Smarter than we Think". Cathy Seeley's Blog
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Common Core State Standards Update
Unlike many countries, the United States has not had national standards. By 2014, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will be implemented in over 40 states. SMARTER and PARCC are the two consortia that are designing assessments for the CCSS. SMARTER has sample questions up on line and will use computer adaptive technology. PARCC will have sample tasks available this summer.
In mid-June, New York State released NYS Sample Questions for Grades 3 - 8. The Tri-State Collaborative (New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island) with help from Achieve is developing lessons based on the Common Core State Standards.
Common Core e_guide from CTB/McGraw-Hill
Member States of SMARTER
Forward or Backward? The Common Core Math Standards
At the high school level, why not the ACT (or SAT) as a standard?
Math Confidence ACT Scores June 2012
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Math Needs Better Marketing
How do we attract students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) as a college major, career choice and solid foundation? This summer, Robin will present "Engineering Your Future" to two groups of pre-engineering high school students. The National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics published Robin's article Engineering Your Future with STEM that included Objectives and Outcomes from Electrical Engineering as well as quotes from astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and business philosopher Jim Rohn.
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