Project Excellence, initiated by the Board of Public Education, assessed the educational needs of Montana's children and developed model student learner goals for each curricular area. The mathematics learner goals developed were based primarily on the N ational Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) document, Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, but looked beyond as well. The learner goals for secondary school mathematics demand that ALL students be enrolled in a new mat hematics curriculum taught with a problem solving, problem-centered approach. This new curriculum is to be rich in real world applications and the use of appropriate technology. Topics in algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, trigonometry, and dis crete mathematics should be studied in a variety of contexts such as biology, chemistry, physics, business and social science. The Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) sponsored the Systemic Initiative for Montana Mathematics and Science (SI MMS) Grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an integrated mathematics program to meet the needs addressed by Project Excellence. This curriculum is under development. The 9th grade materials were field-tested in 1993-94. The 10th grade m aterials were pre-piloted in 1993-94 and field-tested in 1994-95. The 11th grade materials will be field tested in 1995-96.
At the present time, approximately one-half of all secondary students nationwide discontinue their mathematics studies each year. This rate is even higher for women and Native Americans. This rate must be lowered if we are to prepare all students for th e workforce of the 21st century. Thus, another primary goal of the SIMMS Project is to increase participation of women and Native Americans in mathematics allowing them to pursue mathematical or scientific careers.
SIMMS course credits have been accepted by the Montana System of Higher Education as satisfying college entrance requirements. The SIMMS materials will prepare students for college level mathematics, including calculus. To guarantee college entrance, st udents must complete Levels 4 or 5 of the program.* SIMMS provides options for all students so that they can continue studying mathematics for four years. In this way, students can complete college requirements in a number of ways over a four year period .