Review of the AAMT Standards for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in Australian Schools

The AAMT Standards were adopted and published in 2002, as the result of the work of a number of members around the country during the project to develop them (1999-2002). Good teaching of mathematics is dynamic, and the Standards need to respond to developing knowledge about the field. In keeping with this, the AAMT Council initially adopted the Standards for a five-year period and decided at its January 2006 meeting that the Standards document should be thoroughly reviewed. A process for seeking members' input was commenced at that time.

In the meantime, Teaching Australia has proposed a national framework for 'National Standards for Advanced Teaching and School Leadership'. The AAMT is contributing to the consultation on that work. Details of that involvement and opportunities for members to contribute will be made available during 2008.

As part of the 'internal' review process, members’ input about their experiences with the AAMT Standards is welcome. You have two options:

• Respond to an online survey. Your responses will be confidential.
• Send your written comments about the Standards document and associated materials to the AAMT Office.

Any and all relevant input will be carefully considered by the National Professional Standards Committee -- Mathematics as it prepares recommendations for the AAMT Council.

The AAMT Council has decided to delay any redevelopment of the AAMT Standards until the Teaching Australia work is completed. At that time any necessary changes to the Standards to fit a wider national framework — if the Council chooses to do so — can be done in concert with changes arising from members' review of the current document. The 2006 version of the Standards was distributed with the AAMT Mathematics Resources Catalogue in the first half of 2006; if you did not receive your copy or want another, please click here to access the document.

The AAMT Standards are the profession’s statement of what we, as teachers of mathematics, understand as the knowledge, attributes and skills that characterise high level teaching of mathematics. This is your chance to help shape the next version of that statement. If you have any queries please contact the AAMT Office.