Soundoff: Issues of Implementation

I believe in the goals and methods described in the NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Professional Teaching Standards (1989, 1991). I make this statement from the perspective of teacher, supervisor, consultant, graduate student, and parent. In these roles, I am actively involved in implementing both documents. In working with teachers, I focus on those who are excited and empowered by the concepts presented in these two volumes. These teachers demonstrate powerful techniques and strategies in their classrooms that reflect the spirit of the standards documents. However, in my experience, these teachers are in the minority. As I continue to work with teachers, I meet many who are not enthusiastic about the Standards. These teachers represent the mainstream of our profession; they are hardworking individuals who are reluctant to incorporate change that alters everything they have worked for both as students and as teachers.