Tennessee’s Vision of Standards-Based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

The Tennessee Mathematics Curriculum Framework presents an educational pathway designed to prepare every student to function in a society in which mathematical, scientific and technological literacy are necessary for full participation and enjoyment. The new standards are founded on the premise that leaning mathematics content is most successful when experienced through an active process that integrates inquiry, technology and engineering, and science, in what is commonly referred to as STEM Education (figure 4).

Figure 4. Tennessee Vision for STEM Education

The goal of standards revision is to develop a curriculum framework that will guide and support school systems in building a rigorous and relevant K-12 mathematics curriculum. The educational vision reflected in the Framework is that a carefully designed, coherent, and properly implemented set of K-12 mathematics learning experiences will enable all students to:

• Develop a deep understanding of the key mathematical concepts, principles, and theories drawn from contextual applications
• Apply process skills by posing questions and investigating phenomena through the language, procedures, and tools of mathematics
• Be aware of how engineering, technology, and science are integrated into the historical and cultural advancement of mathematics
• Think and act in a way that demonstrates a positive attitude toward problem-solving and personal decision-making about issues that affect society

Further, all Tennessee students should emerge from their K-12 mathematics education experiences fully prepared for transitioning to higher education, careers in the technical workforce, and service to their communities or nation.