About UCSMP
The University of Chicago School Mathematics
Project (UCSMP) was founded in 1983 with the aim of upgrading mathematics
education in elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States.
UCSMP believes that, with the information explosion and advances in technology,
society today demands not just basic computation skills but a more
sophisticated understanding of mathematics. It seeks to raise the expectations
for all students, bringing their performance in mathematics to world-class
standards.
In line with its reform ideas, UCSMP has
created a curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten all the way through 12th
grade. These educational materials bring the real world into the classroom.
They emphasize reading, problem-solving, everyday applications, and the use of
calculators, computers, and other technologies. Unnecessary repetition and
review are eliminated, so that by the end of high school, the diligent average
student can learn mathematics once reserved only for honors students. UCSMP extensively evaluates all its materials using the latest in
qualitative and quantitative methods. Its studies indicate that UCSMP students
significantly outperform their peers on the broader range of content covered in the
UCSMP curriculum, while holding their own on traditional content.
UCSMP has also engaged in a wide range of
other activities, including the development of training materials for both elementary and secondary school
teachers, and the translation of textbooks and educational
literature from foreign countries such as the Soviet Union and Japan. UCSMP has sponsored four international conferences on mathematics
education, with published proceedings representing the best thinking of the
mathematics education community worldwide.
An estimated 3.5 to 4 million students in elementary
and secondary schools in every state and virtually every major urban area are
now using UCSMP materials.
To
receive a project brochure and recent newsletters,
or to be added to our mailing list, e-mail ucsmp@uchicago.edu
fill out our on-line form, call 773-702-1130, or write
UCSMP
6030 S. Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
To
communicate with other UCSMP users, subscribe to the UCSMP forum.