Shared Beliefs
As members of the
San Gabriel Valley California Mathematics Project, we share a common vision
of what mathematics should be for the children in our schools. That
vision conveys the belief that every child deserves a comprehensive mathematics
education taught by a caring and competent teacher using strategies consistent
with each student's learning style. To support that vision, it is our
belief that professional development, although focused on the needs of
our students, must provide for the needs of the teachers involved.
Teachers, administrators, and university professors share many common
convictions about mathematics education for children. In order to
achieve that quality education, the curriculum must be meaningful and
include mathematical tasks from real life contexts. Students must
be provided with a safe environment in which they are engaged in mathematical
thinking that assures success with the high standards of a rigorous mathematics
program. Students are entitled to instruction that meets various
learning styles and promotes equal access regardless of ethnic, cultural,
or gender differences. Ultimately our goal is to provide students
with the tools necessary to become lifelong learners.
Teachers must also become lifelong learners; therefore, professional development
activities for teachers must reflect the same guiding principles of quality
instruction. Effective professional development also recognizes the contributions
that the teachers bring to this process as professionals concerned about
student achievement. Teachers need support and guidance in a safe
environment in order to take risks so that change can take place. Professional
development must be an ongoing process allowing time for the construction
of new knowledge about mathematical content, conceptual understanding,
and teaching strategies. Working in collaboration with peers fosters
experimentation with approaches such as inquiry, discovery, hands-on,
and technological. Finally, participation in this type of professional
development allows teachers to reflect and evaluate their own learning
as they work to ensure the best possible education for all children.
S TUDENTS
U NDERSTANDING
C ONCEPTS and
C OMPUTATION while
E NGAGED
in
S OLVING PROBLEMS
S UCCESSFULLY
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