Core-Plus Mathematics Project - Origin of Core-Plus

Origin of Core-Plus

Core-Plus is part of a worldwide trend toward an integrated approach to mathematics, including in countries that outperform the U.S. on international tests, though textbooks from nations such as Singapore are traditional, not standards-based approaches. Each course of Core-Plus was developed through a five-year process of research, development, and field testing. The author team for Core-Plus Mathematics includes a recent past president of the Mathematical Association of America, a recent past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, two writers for the 1989 NCTM Standards, a consultant for the 2000 NCTM Standards, and national experts in algebra, geometry, discrete mathematics, and statistics education. In addition, an advisory board of mathematics educators and a consultant team of mathematicians advised the project. The project is based in the Mathematics Department at Western Michigan University.

Core-Plus Mathematics is one of 13 mathematics curriculum projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), for elementary, middle, and high school. NSF spent about $86 million in the 1990s to fund these projects. It is estimated that several million students currently use the NSF-funded curricula, including at least 500 high schools using Core-Plus.