Mr. Ferris attends academy for professional development

David Ferris, Noblesville High School math teacher, joined more than 100 other mathematics teachers from around the country at the first National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Academy for Professional Development institute in Meriden, Conn., on October 11 - 12.

The institute provided training for mathematics teachers in grades 9 through 12 to implement NCTM's updated "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" which was released in April.

"These institutes for professional development will prepare teachers to put NCTM's Standards into action," said NCTM President Lee V. Stiff. "The 'Principles and Standards for School Mathematics' provides a comprehensive and coherent set of goals for stimulating and challenging students to learn more, and more advanced, mathematics. Our new Academy for Professional Development will provide increased opportunities for the professional growth of teachers."

Through the Academy, NCTM is putting in place programs to support some of the professional development needs of mathematics teachers. The Academy's first three institutes, in October and December, are concentrated 2-day introductions to NCTM's "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics."

Future 5-day institutes for teachers will further explore the Standards and help teachers develop the requisite knowledge to integrate the Standards into curricula to better educate all students. The Academy will also provide ongoing Web-based support for institute participants.

"We live in a time of extraordinary and accelerating change," NCTM Executive Director John A. Thorpe said.

"New expectations, new tools, and new ways of teaching and learning mathematics provide continuing challenges for teachers. Through the Academy, we will increase our efforts to provide high-quality professional development opportunities and support for both new and experienced mathematics teachers to meet the challenges of today's classrooms."

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education association with more than 100,000 members and 250 affiliate organizations located throughout the United States and Canada. NCTM facilitates ongoing dialogue and constructive discussion among all stakeholders about what is best for our nation's students.

The Council is dedicated to improving mathematics teaching and learning from pre-kindergarten through high school and providing a high-quality mathematics education for every child. The Council's "Principles and Standards" provides guidelines for excellence in mathematics education and issues a call for all students to engage in more-challenging mathematics.

For more information about the Academy's institutes, contact Beth Skipper (703-20-9840, ext. 2204 or academy@nctm.org).