As states and local school districts implement more rigorous assessment and accountability systems,
teachers often face long lists of mathematics topics or learning expectations to address at each grade level,
with many topics repeating from year to year. Lacking clear, consistent priorities and focus, teachers stretch to
find the time to present important mathematical topics effectively and in depth.
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is responding to this challenge by presenting
Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics: A Quest for Coherence. Building
on Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000), this new publication is offered as a starting
point in a dialogue on what is important at particular levels of instruction and as an initial step toward a
more coherent, focused curriculum in this country.