The standards reflect many of the same principles found in school reform and calculus reform. They focus, however, on the needs and experiences of college students studying introductory mathematics in various instructional programs. These standards place emphasis on using technology as a tool and as an aid to instruction, developing general strategies for solving real-world problems, and actively involving students in the learning process. Courses at this level should not simply be repeats of those offered in high school. Their goal is to prepare college students to study additional mathematics, thus expanding their educational and career options.
Technical programs place strong emphasis on mathematics in the context of real applications.
They should prepare students for the immediate needs of employment. At the same time, students should learn to appreciate the usefulness of mathematics and to use mathematics to solve problems in a variety of fields. The content and structure of the mathematics curriculum for technical students must be both rigorous and relevant. The mathematics that technical students study must broaden their options both in careers and in formal education. Mathematics-intensive programs include the study of calculus and beyond.