Through the Focus of the Year, NCTM supports professional development by offering educators an effective way to become more knowledgeable about important ideas related to key themes from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. The list of themes on this page provides access to collections of resources available for professional development on each topic.

2009-2010 Theme
Connections: Linking Concepts and Context

Why Connections?

Mathematics is an integrated field of study with dynamic connections.  Mathematics is not a collection of separate strands or standards, even though it is often partitioned and presented in this manner.  When students connect mathematical ideas, their understanding is deeper and more lasting, and they come to view mathematics as a coherent whole.  more >>

2009-2010
Connections : Linking Concepts and Context

2008-2009
Equity: All Means ALL

2007-2008
Data Analysis & Probability:
Becoming Certain about Uncertainty

2006-2007
Learning Through Representation:
Show Me the Math

2005-2006
Assessing to Learn
and Learning to Assess

2004-2005
Developing Algebraic Thinking:
A Journey from Preschool to High School

  Learn Reflect Strands

NCTM Regional Conferences and Expositions, as well as the Annual Meeting and Exposition, feature Focus of the Year Learn Reflect Strands that allow participants to dedicate a full day to the Focus of the Year theme. Strands are also delivered at Affiliate conferences.

All conference attendees are invited to participate in these professional development programs, noted in conference program books by the symbol . A strand begins with a Kickoff session, continues with sessions for each grade band, and culminates with a Reflection session, allowing participants to participate in a facilitated discussion based on a set of reflection questions distributed at the Kickoff.

Space is limited, and attendees are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. A complete listing of the Learn Reflect sessions is included in the conference program books. Participants who attend the Kickoff session, at least one Learn Reflect session during the day, and the Reflection session will be eligible for a personalized certificate of participation.