A Vision of Senior Secondary and Beginning Undergraduate Mathematics: Ideals and Possibilities

Brief Description
There is some evidence to suggest that mathematics qualifications of secondary teachers have been declining and anecdotal evidence suggests declining numbers of students are entering mathematics courses and that employers are not finding the graduates they employ to be suitably mathematically prepared. Similar anecdotal evidence also suggests that mathematics courses are not well-aligned with the mathematical needs of various sectors of society.

We aim to properly survey the situation to ascertain the truth of these assertions. We then need to gain a consensus amongst stakeholders as to what mathematical conditions are necessary to attain the aim of graduates in all areas who are sufficiently qualified mathematically.

We intend to produce a Standards Document outlining this agreement and an Action Plan that will detail the pathway by which it can be achieved in New Zealand.