A strong foundation in mathematics and the ability to apply it, for each and every student from pre-K through grade 12, is vital to national security, economic stability, workforce productivity, and full participation in our democratic society. Mathematical literacy is fundamental for adult numeracy, financial literacy, and everyday life. “Mathematics education” is “STEM education.”
As the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to improving mathematics education for each and every student, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) knows that teachers and what they do in the classroom are at the heart of producing college-, career-, and citizen-ready high school graduates and making this vision a reality. Time and again, research shows that it is the quality of the teacher in the classroom that is the largest factor in successful learning. As such, teachers deserve the full support of federal, state, and local lawmakers.
NCTM supports investing in teachers at every stage of their development and believes that mathematical literacy can be achieved through an increased emphasis from policymakers on early childhood education, rigorous and engaging PK–12 mathematics education, family engagement, high-quality standards and assessments, and the guarantee of appropriate conditions for learning for each and every student in all the country’s schools and classrooms.
View the complete 2020 NCTM Legislative Platform Document
