• Provide teachers and students with materials that implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) curriculum and evaluation standards, and the Illinois Learning Standards (ILS).
• Provide students with a sound foundation for success in mathematics
• Implement the ILS and NCTM Standards

Implementing the ILS and NCTM Standards
The primary mathematics program implements the standards and goals by encouraging students to be mathematically enthusiastic students who can communicate and value mathematics. This should contribute to their academic development and their success in real-life endeavors. The program is designed to develop students' confidence in their math ability through the development of problem-solving skills, math-reasoning ability and computational competence.

The ILS and NCTM Standards recommendations are reflected in the District 59 primary mathematics program through:

• Motivating students to enjoy mathematics and be confident in their mathematical abilities
• Promoting understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on experiences
• Providing appropriate connections from the concrete and pictorial to the symbolic levels
• The use of stories, vocabulary and poetry will promote a math literature connection throughout the series
• Providing a strong base for problem-solving skills and strategies
• Preparation of students for intermediate and middle grades mathematics coursework
• Introducing students to mental math and estimation strategies such as basic facts strategies and the use of non-standard measures
• Using current technology including calculators, computers and the Internet to complement concept understanding
• Various assessment tools which address individual learning styles will be utilized including performance-based assessment