How to Implement the New Math Standards, Part IV
by Arlyne LeSchack

The first process strand is the problem solving strand:

• build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving
• solve problems that arise in mathematics and other contexts
• apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems
• monitor and reflect on the process of mathematical problem solving

The next process strand is the reasoning and proof strand. Here students should be able to:

• recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspects of mathematics
• make and investigate mathematical conjectures
• develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs
• select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof

The third process strand is the communication strand. Students should be able to:

• organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication
• communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others
• analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others
• use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely

The fourth process strand is the connections strand. Students should be able to do the following:

• recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas
• understand how mathematical ideas interconnect and build on one another to produce a coherent whole
• recognize and apply mathematics to contexts outside of mathematics

The fifth process strand is the representation strand. Students should be able to:

• create and use representations to organize, record and communicate mathematical ideas
• select, apply and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems
• use representations to model and interpret physical, social, and mathematical phenomena

Within in these four articles I have tried to explain the new New York State Mathematical Standards.

In the meantime if you have any questions about implementing the new mathematics standards, please contact me at aleschack@aol.com.