Extending the Challenge in Mathematics

Developing Mathematical Promise in K-8 Students

`Any teacher who uses this book will need to be very much involved in the learning process working through the exercises to fully understand what is required of the students to then be able to (initially) guide the students, particularly the very young students. It is a book that will definitely challenge mathematically promising students…. I recommend this publication' - Catherine Wormald, Gifted

This book is designed to help the general education mathematics teacher challenge his/her student(s) with mathematical promise. By providing math teachers with ready-to-use activities and the tools to create their own activities that will add depth to the standard curriculum, this book will help gifted/talented students in the regular classroom reach their full potential.

This book goes beyond the concept of mathematically gifted students who were traditionally defined as the top three to five percent of students based on one standardized mathematics test or another. Mathematically promising students are defined as those who have the potential to become the leaders and problem solvers of the future. Mathematical promise is described by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Task Force on Mathematically Promising Students as a function of ability, motivation, belief, and experience/opportunity. By factoring motivation levels and access to challenging courses in with innate ability, the discovery and talent development of mathematically gifted students is more accurate than before.