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Issues and Trends in Mathematics Education provides an introduction to the many facets of mathematics education. All graduate students curious about any aspect of or the interplay among school mathematics, teaching, learning, teacher education, and research are welcome. The Handbook of International Research in Mathematics Education will guide our investigations into theory and research, and Implementing Standards-Based Mathematics Instruction will guide our investigations of practice and creation of dialogue, tasks, and case studies. The mathematics community's ongoing discussion of technology use, testing, standards, and curriculum will be vital to discussion and the writing of a position paper. Participants will engage in mathematical activities that not only shed light on various issues and trends but also provide an opportunity to synthesize theory and practice. Our special project this semester is a study of the standards of accountability that have been set out to satisfy the "Leave No Child Behind Act" and we will create and debate in response to this national mandate.

Communication networks
A reflector list provides opportunities for class communications. Our course webpage http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/courses/ci430fa03 will evolve over time.

General Purpose
Expand understanding and communication of multiple perspectives of issues and trends in mathematics education

Specific Goals (Assessment measures)

1. Familiarity with Handbook as resource, guide, and tool for the future. (Oral class presentations, written topical summaries, and classroom discussions)
2. Skills necessary to make wise use of library and Internet holdings. (written position paper, classroom discussions)
3. Proficiency in multi-level task design and development of case studies focused on tasks or dialogue. (Mid-term dialogue/task and the accompanying case study)
4. Understanding of the multiple perspectives related to issues and trends in mathematics education. (Written position paper and associated oral poster presentation, classroom discussion, topical summaries)
5. Expertise in task and rubric design associated with standards of accountability. (written assessment items and rubrics and evaluations)
6. Membership in community (observed efforts toward collaboration and leadership throughout the semester)
7. Familiarity with writing style of APA 5th edition.