Challenging Courses and Curricula: A Model for All Students
Abstract
"The Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice describe "varieties of expertise that mathematics educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students." [CC] These eight mathematical practices are consistent with the definition for Challenging Courses and Curricula developed by the NSF-supported Greater Birmingham Mathematics Partnership (GBMP). The four main attributes of challenging mathematics courses are that they deepen knowledge of important mathematical ideas, promote inquiry and reflection, develop productive disposition, and foster communication. We describe classroom practice with examples from GBMP classrooms that illustrate our definition of challenging courses and develop the student proficiencies described in the Standards for Mathematical Practice."
