Northwest Regional Comprehensive Center

Improving mathematics proficiency for students is a priority at both the federal and state levels. The National Mathematics Advisory Panel's report, Foundations for Success: The Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel (NMAP 2008), presents findings and recommendations in seven areas that can impact student success in preparation for algebra. This symposium provided an opportunity for SEA members to develop a common understanding of the key findings in the NMAP report in two of the panel's focus areas and identify implications and next steps for their state education agency.

This two-day symposium, sponsored by the Northwest Regional Comprehensive Center in collaboration with the Mid-Continent Comprehensive Center, brought together SEA staff responsible for mathematics curriculum and instruction, teacher certification, Title I, Title II and school improvement, and some representatives from outside the SEA who play a key role in developing and implementing mathematics policies and initiatives (e.g., higher education or educational service districts).

Three NMAP members presented findings and recommendations for SEAs. In addition, this symposium included a panel discussion with three representatives from teacher preparation programs describing their efforts to develop pre-service teachers' content knowledge in mathematics.