Mathematics

Comprehensive mathematical knowledge is essential for success in today’s world. Society needs individuals who have sound estimation skills and number and spatial sense, who are competent using and interpreting data, and who can use appropriate technology resources to solve problems and make informed decisions. These skills are essential if students are to become successful citizens, life-long learners, and competitive workers in a global market place.

Mathematics is a basic component of every student's education. Within mathematics, technology should be regarded as a tool that can facilitate a student's understanding of quantitative relationships and that can increase computational proficiency in problem-solving situations. In elementary school, calculators are valuable tools as students explore patterns and investigate mathematical situations. Students should not, however, depend on calculators to help them solve basic computation problems. It is critical that students thoroughly develop basic computational skills at a young age. Technology can be used by students to strengthen and extend their understanding of concepts, explore mathematical functions, engage in problem-solving activities, employ real world applications, and verify results of mathematical activities. When technology is combined with a student's understanding of underlying mathematical concepts, learning is enhanced. Technology can support student learning and provide all students with the tools they need to master the Nevada standards.

The Nevada Mathematics Standards are intended to establish common expectations for local communities to develop a clear, shared understanding of what all students should know and be able to do at key points in their K-12 educational careers. The document includes five content standards: Numbers, Number Sense, and Computation; Patterns, Functions, and Algebra; Measurement; Spatial Relationships and Geometry; and Data Analysis. Each of these content standards is essential to accomplishing the goals for mathematics education listed below.

Goals of Mathematics Education in Nevada

• the knowledge of basic mathematical facts and relationships and the ability to perform computations;

• the ability to make sound estimations and to make sense of number relationships;

• the ability to read, interpret, and create graphs, tables, and charts;

• the ability to make geometric observations, measurements, and constructions; and

• the ability to understand the effective, appropriate, and efficient use of models and mathematical tools, including calculators and computer technology.

Additionally, these standards include four process standards: Problem Solving, Mathematical Communication, Mathematical Reasoning, and Mathematical Connections. The processes described within these four standards are also carefully integrated within the content standards to emphasize the interconnectedness among the process and content standards. This integration is meant to emphasize the importance of teaching mathematics within the context of an application so students can not only compute but also can use their computational skills to reason and solve problems.

The Nevada Mathematics Standards are intended to provide the framework for a comprehensive K-12 mathematics program and are intended to guide curriculum, instruction, and assessment as well as other policies and practices that affect student learning. They will serve as a foundation for teachers and curriculum specialists as they create curriculum and adopt teaching practices relevant to the needs, strengths, and diversity of Nevada’s students and communities. The standards will also provide clear direction for meaningful pre-service and in-service professional development. In essence, the standards will help Nevada’s school districts build cohesive and comprehensive systems for ensuring that all students achieve at high levels.