These next pieces deal with pedagogy, the practice of math.... It is the intent of the CCSS to blend the guiding principles of content that we just explored with these principles of practice. The first is learning....

 Learning

Mathematical ideas should be explored in ways that stimulate curiosity, create enjoyment of mathematics, and develop depth of understanding.

Students need to understand mathematics deeply and use it effectively. 

The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe ways in which students increasingly engage with the subject matter as they grow in mathematical maturity and expertise through the elementary, middle, and high school years.

To achieve mathematical understanding, students should have a balance of mathematical procedures and conceptual understanding. 

Students should be actively engaged in doing meaningful mathematics, discussing mathematical ideas, and applying mathematics in interesting, thought-provoking situations. Student understanding is further developed through ongoing reflection about cognitively demanding and worthwhile tasks.

Tasks should be designed to challenge students in multiple ways. Short- and long-term investigations that connect procedures and skills with conceptual understanding are integral components of an effective mathematics program. Activities should build upon curiosity and prior knowledge, and enable students to solve progressively deeper, broader, and more sophisticated problems. (See Standard for Mathematical Practice 1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.) Mathematical tasks reflecting sound and significant mathematics should generate active classroom talk, promote the development of conjectures, and lead to an understanding of the necessity for mathematical reasoning. (See Standard for Mathematical Practice 2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively.)

Wow...... Inquiry Based Learning and Accountable Talk! I feel like this principle is speaking directly to us and telling us that we are on the right path. We have a lot of work to do, but it feels really good that we chose the journey that we did. As you read through it, I would love to hear if you feel the same.