What does "all students" mean?

The Introduction to NCTM's Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (1991) explains what the Standards mean by the term "all students."

"Throughout these standards the phrase all students is used often. By this phrase we mean to set the mathematical education of every child as the goal for mathematics teaching at all levels, K-12. In April 1990, the NCTM Board of Directors endorsed the following statement:

"As a professional organization and as individuals within that organization, the Board of Directors sees the comprehensive mathematics education of every child as its most compelling goal.

"By 'every child' we mean specifically:

• "students who have been denied access in any way to educational opportunities as well as those who have not;

• "students who are African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and other minorities as well as those who are considered to be a part of the majority;

• "students who are female as well as those who are male; and

• "students who have not been successful in school and in mathematics as well as those who have been successful.

"It is essential that schools and communities accept the goal of mathematical education for every child. However, this does not mean that every child will have the same interests or capabilities in mathematics.

"It does mean that we will have to examine our fundamental expectations about what children can learn and can do and that we will have to strive to create learning environments in which raised expectations for children can be met."

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