The publication of Curriculum Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 1989 focused on the need for change in mathematics education. Mathematics is no longer viewed as a collection of rules and procedures to learn without understanding. Since today's jobs require fewer mechanical skills and more analytical skills, higher-level math knowledge is expected of every student in school. To ensure each student would receive proper instruction, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics cited standards for each grade division. The first four standards of each division focus on mathematical processes.
Students solve real-life problems using reasoning to plan and explain their work.
They communicate their work with others through oral and written communication. What is learned is then connected to other math problems and to non-mathematical situations. These four process standards influence the instruction and assessment of the remaining content standards. The publication of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics fueled the flame for change in math education. Changes in curriculum, methodology, and assessment procedures are now in the forefront.