Page "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" Paragraph 11

* Learning: According to the PSSM, a combination of " factual knowledge, procedural facility, and conceptual understanding " is necessary for students to use mathematics.

While they state that ' Learning the " basics " is important ,' the NCTM does not consider the most simplistic forms of memorization by repetition to be sufficient achievement in mathematics.

A good student not only understands how and when to use facts, procedures, and concepts, but he or she also wants to figure things out and perseveres in the face of challenge.

The NCTM particularly deprecates attitudes in schools that suggest only certain students are capable of mastering math.