Algebra Goals in CMP

    Presently a trend throughout the country is to make the study of algebra a goal for all eighth grade students. One strategy, tried by some schools, is to move the traditional Algebra 1 course to 8th grade. However, experience has shown that many eighth grade students fail a traditional Algebra 1 course, and must repeat it in high school. A more promising strategy, recommended by the NCTM Principles and Standards 2000, is the development of algebraic ideas over a longer period of time, well before the first year of high school, to better prepare students to deal with abstraction and symbols. This philosophy is consistent with the way that algebra is taught in other countries. The NCTM Principles and Standards guided the development of the algebra strand in the Connected Mathematics Project.

     CMP was designed by its authors to meet the goal of all students becoming more proficient in algebra, and to include more algebra in the curriculum prior to high school. Algebra is developed in all three grades of Connected Mathematics. By the end of Grade 8, CMP students have studied an impressive array of algebraic ideas and skills. Most students should be able to meet the following goals.