Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All

by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

What it will take to turn the opportunity of the Common Core into reality in every classroom, school, and district.

Continuing its tradition of mathematics education leadership, NCTM has undertaken a major initiative to define and describe the principles and actions, including specific teaching practices, that are essential for a high-quality mathematics education for all students.

This landmark new title offers guidance to teachers, mathematics coaches, administrators, parents, and

Provides a research-based description of eight essential Mathematics Teaching Practices

Describes the conditions, structures, and policies that must support the Teaching Practices

Builds on NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and supports implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics to attain much higher levels of mathematics achievement for all students

Identifies obstacles, unproductive and productive beliefs, and key actions that must be understood, acknowledged, and addressed by all stakeholders

Encourages teachers of mathematics to engage students in mathematical thinking, reasoning, and sense making to significantly strengthen teaching and learning

Genres: Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Teaching

139 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as a companion to the teaching philosophies that encompass the new common core math. This book is also an amazing resource for educators who are frustrated with the lack of supports for remediation. Some of my favorite quotes:

“While some students are expected to engage in a variety of mathematics topics though multiple teaching and learning strategies, students in low tracks are often confronted with a narrow and fragmented mathematics curriculum, delivered with a limited set of teaching and learning strategies.” P. 61

“When middle-level students thought to be ‘at risk’ in mathematics are placed in grade-level mathematics courses and provided the support necessary to be successful in those courses, their achievement gains are greater, and they are more likely to enroll in upper-level math courses in the following years, than when they are placed in lower-ability math courses.” P. 62

“Persistent and unacceptable gaps narrow and ultimately disappear when all students have access to rigorous, high-quality mathematics, taught by teachers who not only understand mathematics but also understand and appreciate learners’ social and cultural context in meaningful ways.”p. 65

“Physical and virtual manipulatives, as well as other concrete models, can help students visualize mathematics relationships. Research suggests that about two-thirds of high school juniors and seniors are still functioning at a concrete level of thinking.” P. 83

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This report is a concise but informative overview of the core principles that define quality mathematics education. It is an important addition to the literature as it sums up the best in current thinking about how we can help all students realize their full potential and develop deep understanding of mathematics.

[Diana Bustamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Math Coach, Principles to Action is used as our training guide. NCTM has outlined principles for today's Math education and what each group of stakeholders needs to bring to the table.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for all math teachers!

[Trina R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone teaching math or leading others in curriculum should definitely read this publication. I'm sad I waited so long.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for math teachers

[Skylar Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed the way I think about mathematics education completely! Most worthwhile academic reading I have completed in 2021.

[Julie Gard]

game changer

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of information on teaching mathematics for K-12 students.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative about Math and has similarities with Natalie Wexlers book, Knowledge Gao. I enjoyed reading them both.

[Alyssa Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource for math educators and leaders. A highlighter is a necessity because it’s packed full of great information!

[Natalie Goodman]

Summer Course ... ready in 2 hour sitting. basic teaching instruction for math

[Kelly Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping to add some of these theories to my math lessons!,

[KaelaSakorafis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must read for future educators. The teaching practices highlighted in this book are incredibly helpful in helping all students reach their full potential in the classroom

[Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise summary of teaching in today's world. Math is more than individual sit and get, students need to be actively engaged and exploring math.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal resource for any educator, coach, administrator, etc. who has to desire and passion to improve the mathematical classroom for our students. It is packed full of Mathematical Teaching Principles that can be individually focused on and support of what needs to happen to create an environment that nurtures all learners as great mathematicians.

I started reading this book while I was teaching 6th grade math as part of a statewide book discussion. We read and discussed the principles and, having left the classroom, this book has been sitting on my nightstand waiting for me to pick it up and finish. I miss my math teaching, but as the book points out, this high quality of instruction and the amount of effort put into it cannot be done in isolation. To reach these levels independently is exhausting and the difference of having a collaborative team may have made all the difference.