Expectations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Expectations - Essay Example The California Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that schools adhere to these standards. The advantage of all schools in a state to adopt same standards is that when a student changes schools, they are still guaranteed good education due to the same standards in the state. Mathematics and Science are some of the most important subjects in the curriculum. These subjects though require students to have a higher level of concentration during the learning process, due to the nature of their concepts. Most schools therefore, put more emphasis on these so that students perform equally well in them, like in the other subjects. For this reason, the national council of teachers of mathematics (NCTM) has also set its standards and expectations of schools in their performance in Mathematics. The mathematics expectations and standard by NCTM applies to the levels of prekindergarten through grade 12. These expectations are specific to each grade basing on their curriculum. Howev er, generally, this body of mathematics teachers expects that as a student goes through all the grades up to grade 12, they should have mastered all the important concepts in mathematics. Fist, students should be good at numbers and operations. This includes number systems, relationship between numbers, meaning of operations, and computing. In algebra, students must understand patterns, relations, and functions. They should also be able to analyze situations in mathematics using algebraic symbols (â€Å"National Council of Teachers of Mathematics†). The geometry standard requires students to be able to analyze the properties of geometric shapes and their relationships. They should also be in a position to apply symmetry to different mathematical situations, and use visualizing and geometry in problem solving. In measurement, students must understand different measurements and apply them. For data analysis and probability, students must be able to develop questions that can be solved with data collection. In addition, they should be able to employ right statistical method in data analysis. Overall, NCTM expects that the mathematics learning process should impart problem-solving skills in students and help them identify reasoning and proof as an important aspect in mathematics. The mathematical process must also help students develop their communication, including mathematical thinking. Additionally, students must be able to apply mathematical principles outside of mathematics. Finally, the concept of representation should help students to create and interpret social, physical, and mathematical phenomena (â€Å"NCTM†). The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) also has a set of standards and expectations of schools in the science subject. This expects the science program to impart problem-solving skills in students, to solve problems in today’s scientific world. Teachers must therefore, involve students in first-hand scientific experi ences and utilize mathematical and communication skills in the learning process. Teachers must use different teaching styles and allow class discussions without any form of discrimination. Use of hands-on experiments to enhance and develop skills in students, and participations in workshops and conferences for scientific knowledge gain must be practiced (â€Å"National Science Teachers Association†). The school administrators provide instructional leadership by enforcing the national standards of science,