MathematicsAcademic Excellence :

The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics set the expectations for achievement in mathematics for K-12 students. The standards are grounded in the belief that all students can and should be mathematically proficient. All students should learn important mathematical concepts, skills, and relationships with understanding. The standards and benchmarks describe a connected body of mathematical knowledge that is acquired through the processes of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections and representation. The mathematics content strands are 1) Number and Operation, 2) Algebra, 3) Geometry and Measurement, and 4) Data Analysis and Probability.

Nominate a Teacher for the 2009 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Awards are the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics or science teachers may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. Anyone may nominate a deserving math or science teacher for this prestigious award. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Nominees will receive an e-mail with a username and password to access the online application. Applications for elementary school teachers (grades K-6) are open now and must be completed by May 3, 2010. Visit the Award Website to submit a nomination.

Mathematics Academics Standards – Rulemaking Update
The rulemaking process for the proposed rules is now complete, and the Minnesota Department of Education has formally adopted new rules governing mathematics academic standards. The official standards document posted below contains the mathematics standards that were revised in 2007 and put into rule effective September 22, 2008. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document for more information on the standards. The 2003 Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics document is also available below.

CLEP Exams
This program allows students to earn college credit while still in high school by earning qualifying scores on exams, saving families significant money on college tuition. Read the CLEP: Quick Start for Mathematics Students below for more information.

The State of Minnesota has launched the Math and Science Academy and 9 regional teaching centers as part of our efforts to ensure that students complete their K-12 education with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of successful participation in higher education and the workforce, including focused efforts to improve preparation in mathematics and science for all students. A key strategy of the centers is to provide professional development and technical assistance to support K-12 teachers and schools districts in delivering high quality mathematics and science instruction.

Sixteen Districts Analyze their K-12 Mathematics Curriculum Using the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum
A pilot project, partnering MDE with the Southeast Service Cooperative, was designed to assist selected school districts with examining their curriculum, instruction, and student achievement in mathematics. They then analyzed this data according to the current and the newly revised math standards. All participating districts had individual math teachers electronically input their enacted curriculum. Trained facilitators worked with teachers at each site. Later, teams from each district reviewed SEC results and mathematics achievement data at a two-day retreat designed to guide K-12 planning and the development of school improvement plans. Results from the sixteen districts have been aggregated and will be used to inform math instruction in other districts as well as current and future STEM initiatives.

Contact:  Sue Wygant, Instructional Specialist: Mathematics - 651-582-8581