Mathematics

The Illinois Learning Standards for Mathematics were developed by Illinois teachers for Illinois schools. These goals, standards and benchmarks are an outgrowth of the 1985 Illinois State Goals for Learning influenced by the latest thinking in school mathematics. This includes the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics; ideas underlying recent local and national curriculum projects; results of state, national, and international assessment findings; and the work and experiences of Illinois school districts and teachers.

Mathematics is a language we use to identify, describe, and investigate the patterns and challenges of everyday living. It helps us to understand the events that have occurred and to predict and prepare for events to come so that we can more fully understand our world and more successfully live in it.

Mathematics encompasses arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability and other fields. It deals with numbers, quantities, shapes and data, as well as numerical relationships and operations. Confronting, understanding, and solving problems is at the heart of mathematics. Mathematics is much more than a collection of concepts and skills; it is a way of approaching new challenges through investigating, reasoning, visualizing and problem solving which the goal of communication the relationships observed and problems solved to others.

All students in Illinois schools need to have the opportunity to engage in learning experiences that foster mastery of these goals and standards. Knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems can be an empowering force for all students, both while in school and later in their lives. Students reaching these goals and standards will be able to use basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to both solve everyday problems and confront more involved calculations in algebraic and statistical settings. They will be able to read, write, visualize and talk about ways in which mathematical problems can be solved in both theoretical and practical situations. They will be able to communicate relationships in geometric and statistical settings through drawings and graphs. These skills will provide all Illinois students with a solid foundation for success in the workplace, a basis for continued learning about mathematics, and a foundation for confronting problem situations arising throughout their lives.

Applications of Learning

Solving Problems Recognize and investigate problems; formulate and propose solutions supported by reason and evidence.

Communicating Express and interpret information and ideas.

Using Technology Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers and networks to access information, process ideas and communicate results

Working on Teams Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members of groups.

Working in Teams Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members of groups.

Making Connections Recognize and apply connections of important information and ideas within and among learning areas.