BASIC FACTS - The Nemesis of Every Elementary Classroom Teacher
Mari Muri, Eastern 1 Regional Director
Summer 2010

In your role as a math teacher leader who works primarily with elementary classroom teachers, you've heard this statement over and over, "These kids don't know their basic facts!" This phrase is familiar to you as a math consultant, coach, lead teacher, grade-level team leader, math specialist, or whatever title your district has assigned to you...

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With national focus on such issues as Intervention (including RTI and SRBI), Differentiating Instruction, Formative Assessment, Coaching, Achievement Gaps, and Statewide Testing required by NCLB, NCSM must take the lead role in developing and nurturing leaders regionally and nationally. It is only through strong mathematics leadership that classroom teachers and their administrators can face and tackle all of these issues... Since English is my second language, I know firsthand the importance of providing guidance and support for students who come from different language and cultural backgrounds. It is imperative for us in mathematics education to help students at all levels of ability and backgrounds to work to their highest potential. As mathematics leaders, this should be foremost in our mission to serve teachers and students.