We have the following ten guiding principles held as axiomatic:

1. Mathematics is the study of relations between objects. At the lower level, this includes recognizing patterns, sequencing events and the concrete ideas of set and number. At a higher level this includes the abstraction of earlier concepts as well as logic, statistics, estimating and mathematical modeling.
2. Mathematics is fun and should be celebrated.
3. Everyone can learn and enjoy mathematics.
4. Mathematics connects to everyone’s everyday experience.
5. There is no such dichotomy as “numbers people” and “words people.”
6. Numeracy improves learning outcomes in math and science.
7. Numeracy helps develop executive function, which in turn positively impacts every facet of a person’s life.
8. The study of mathematics develops critical thinking skills, which are required for a healthy democracy.
9. Critical thinking skills and basic numeracy are required for media literacy and making important personal, political and financial decisions.
10. Mathematics can positively transform both the individual and the community by opening doors to higher education, critical thinking, executive function, financial planning and self-esteem.