A Solution Exists:

We first consider the following definitions:

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.

Numeracy (from “numerical literacy”) is the ability to communicate effectively in quantitative terms. Comparable to literacy and language.

With these in mind, we establish a local project that:

• Provides a basic information clearinghouse for students, teachers, parents and citizens on what resources are available to them for personal and professional development.
  
• Facilitates dissemination of effective curriculum and structural enhancements between math educators at all levels.
  
• Enhances public awareness of math content and history through newsletters, public events and media.
  
• Carries out basic research on defining numeracy and determining what aspects, if any, connect numeracy to learning outcomes, financial outcomes, health outcomes, professional development and civic activity.
  
• Work with literacy groups to integrate numeracy into literacy council goals and activities.
  

Guiding Principles:

• Mathematics is fun and should be celebrated.
  
• Everyone can learn and enjoy mathematics.
  
• Mathematics connects to everyone’s everyday experience.
  
• There is no such dichotomy as “numbers people” and “words people.”
  
• Numeracy improves learning outcomes in math and science.
  
• Numeracy helps develop executive function, which in turn positively impacts every facet of a person’s life.
  
• The study of mathematics develops critical thinking skills, which are required for a healthy democracy.
  
• Critical thinking skills and basic numeracy are required for media literacy and making important personal, political and financial decisions.
  
• Mathematics can positively transform both the individual and the community by opening doors to higher education, career opportunities, critical thinking, executive function, financial planning and self-esteem.
  

Some strategies to meet objectives

• Develop a website that facilitates communication and execution of the mission.
  
• Promote toys, books and activities that foster mathematical thinking to child care centers and in-home childcare facilities.
  
• Encourage after school support and enrichment in mathematics for students who are struggling and for students who excel in mathematics. This might include clubs, after-school programs and groups like the Education Coalition.
  
• Develop summer school enrichment camps that target special groups of students, including students who excel in mathematics.
  
• Facilitate existing mathematics competitions and encourage broad participation.
  
• Summarize pedagogical research on effective math teaching methods at all grades and share proven techniques with math educators.
  
• Vertically integrate pure and applied mathematics research from professors, to undergraduates to high school students to middle school students, elementary and horizontally integrate this information to parents and the community.
  
• Support parents of math students by offering workshops, lectures, projects, kits and written materials.
  
• Seek to identify and remove barriers to education broadly and math education in particular by not only working with underachieving students but their entire family.
  
• Promote awareness of mathematics and its role in the history of ideas to math faculty, pre-K through college.
  
• Promote awareness of mathematics broadly in the community though
  • celebration (e.g. a tent at Bele Chere, a Pi Day Parade)
  • literature (e.g. a regular newsletter on upcoming math talks, book reviews and articles on math concepts and history)
  • demonstrations (e.g. a table about bubbles and minimal surfaces outside Ingles or Wal-Mart)
  • connections (e.g. tent at the MLK celebration on math and civil rights a la Bob Moses or a tent at the LEAF festival on math and music or a special exhibit at the Asheville Art Museum)
  • public service