Catalina Dvila January 12, 2015 EE 333 Assignment One

Mathematics has been the key factor that has lead to great discoveries and advances in medicine, health, technology, as well as in commerce worldwide. According to the National Assessment of Educational from the year 1990 to 2013 there have been mathematical improvements in the following: fourth and eighth grade proficiency, SAT-math scores, ACT-math scores, and an increase in students taking AP Calculus and Statistics. However, in contrast to the improvements, the United States has failed to revamp the education system thus leading to the possible loss of leadership in the competitive market. The loss of leadership of the United States is associated with the suffering mathematics education. A successful mathematical education can ensure a higher college graduation rates and an increase in income. According to the research from the National Math Panel math is less appealing around late middle school when algebra is introduced. In the United States only 16 percent of high school students are proficient or interested in STEM careers because STEM careers require a higher education. This reflects that the mathematics education is at flaw. But both the National Math Panel and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics present various points that could change and improve how mathematics is taught in the United States. In order to improve mathematics the curricula must be focused meaning there must be logic and depth that will allow students to make and form clear understandings of the key concepts and standard algorithms. There must also be structured and planned year-to-year mathematical curricula that does not include repetition. The learning processes for the students must allow them know have significant and sufficient time as the teacher must not move on quickly yet also realize that all students will work and perform at their own pace. As in the curricula, the learning must consist of clearly understanding the algorithms such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It was observed that the learning experience will yield a better outcome if students are allowed to work in pairs or in groups.In times of continuous assessment and accountability as teachers, it requires that they know the material/content well. Teachers cannot effectively teach what they do not know. For new teachers learning the content requires the support from the school to ensure that they posses a deep understanding. When instructing the class, the instruction should be both teacher-centered and student-centered. Balancing instruction allows students to learn independently or in a group as they teach or learn from their peers. Assessing what has been learned should be formative and summative. For the elementary grades formative assessment creates less stress hence fostering a fondness for mathematics. In instruction, applications to the real world help in engaging the student as well as explicit instruction. Explicit instruction given by the teacher will demonstrate what mathematical vocabulary should be used and how the problem can be understood and solved step-by-step. However, it is also important to take into account that not all students will need explicit instructions. Improving the mathematics education in the United States has to involve the national government, which can be seen in the Common Core Standards. The CCS are expected to level the education plain field in order to grow as a nation as opposed to individual state growth. CCS is one step that can impact the mathematics education. Educators must understand the content and concepts of instruction but most importantly they must understand the students to tailor their teaching to personalize and differentiated education.