Particular to New Jersey's Mathematics Standards is the definition of an appropriate mathematical learning environment. New Jersey's Mathematics Standards also contain a strong focus on the use of technology as a regular, integral part of school mathematics curricula at every grade level. The state mandate for the use of calculators on statewide assessment is but one indication of the strong movement that has already begun in this direction. Teachers and students who adopt these standards will understand, and develop the abilities to use, powerful, uptodate mathematics and technology. Although ours is a geographically small state, it has a widely diverse population.
Children enter our schools from a tremendous variety of backgrounds and cultures.
One of the roles of New Jersey's Mathematics Standards , therefore, is to specify a set of achievable highlevel expectations for the mathematical understanding and performance of all students. The expectations included in the standards are substantially more ambitious than current expectations for most students, but we believe that they are attainable by all students in the state. Those New Jersey students who can achieve more than this set of expectations must be afforded the opportunity and encouraged to do so. It means that every student will be involved in experiences addressing all of the expectations of each of the sixteen content standards. A core curriculum does not mean that all students will be enrolled in the same courses.