Review of Guidance Report—Commission on Post-War Plans
The guidance report of The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a unique document in several ways. In the first place, it is the product of a professional organization whose members are both mathematicians and educators. This gives the report professional status in both areas. In the second place, it reverses the usual process by considering the vocations in which mathematics is employed, mathematics being the frame of reference. In most occupational studies, the occupation would be the focus, and the treatment of the subject matter incidental. The report is unique in other ways. It is written for high school students. Other reports have, of course, been written for high school students, but they have usually been watered-down, over-simplified affairs, with very little content and a great deal of inspiration. This report is heavily weighted with content; inspiration is not lacking, but is subtly interspersed.