NCTM Standards

In presenting its "ambitious, focused mathematics program for all students in the middle grades," the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics identifies "ambitious expectations . . . in algebra and geometry that would stretch the middle-grades program beyond a preoccupation with number" (NCTM, 2000, p. 211). Algebra is not proposed as a one-year course for a select few but as an integrated component of a program that extends throughout the middle school math curriculum.

The NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics document presents algebra as more than an exercise in manipulating symbols or even solving equations; it is a way of thinking that permeates a broad range of math content. The document states that "students in the middle grades should learn algebra both as a set of concepts and competencies tied to the representation of quantitative relationships and as a style of mathematical thinking for formalizing patterns, functions, and generalizations" (p. 223). In particular, the Standards recommend that students see "algebra and geometry as interconnected," experiencing "both the geometric representation of algebraic ideas, such as visual models of algebraic identities, and the algebraic representation of geometric ideas, such as equations for lines represented on coordinate grids" (p. 212).

You will find the resources featured here to be appropriate for a wide range of students. Moreover, they focus not only on facility with algebraic manipulation but also on algebra as a way to represent a mathematical situation. The connection between geometry and algebra is highlighted through activities that focus on students' understanding of graphs, from simply plotting points to actually graphing linear functions.

For more information on the NCTM Standards, check out the nine specific expectations for algebra at the middle school level. For more insight into how to reach those expectations, Navigating through Algebra in Grades 6-8 offers problems and activities that show how students can model mathematical situations through algebraic thinking.

References

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: Author.

---

 Back to top

Copyright June 2006 — The Ohio State University. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0424671. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.