NCTM Contracts Learning Today to Develop New Math Applets

June 24, 2008 - PRLog -- With more than 100,000 members and 230 Affiliates, NCTM is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. The Council is a partner in the Verizon Thinkfinity Program and has received funds from Verizon Foundation in support of the Illuminations Project. “Learning Today is an excellent partner for the Illuminations project,” stated Patrick Vennebush, Online Projects Manager at NCTM.  “They are able to develop effective online mathematics content while paying close attention to pedagogical details, all on a tight timeline. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Learning Today.”

The project consists of several phases beginning with prototype development and concluding with the delivery of ten (10) Flash-based applets.  During the development process, Learning Today will review objectives and perform usability testing with teachers and students in order to ensure improved performance and usability of the new applets.  Learning Today will also ensure that the applets are compatible with Illuminations guidelines and consistent with NCTM’s Standards and Curriculum Focal Points.  

Sukanti Iyne Husain, Learning Today’s Vice President of Educational Technology, said, “Developing engaging interactive math applets to improve both the teaching and learning of mathematics is a project that we are proud to be part of. We are very excited about working together with NCTM.”

About the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, providing vision, leadership, and professional development to support teachers by ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.  The Council’s Principles and Standards for School Mathematics includes guidelines for excellence in mathematics education and issues a call for all students to engage in more challenging mathematics.  Its Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics, released in 2006, identifies the most important mathematical topics for each grade level. NCTM is dedicated to ongoing dialogue and constructive discussion with all stakeholders about what is best for our nation’s students.

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About Learning Today, Inc.

Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Learning Today was established in 2000 to develop Smart Tutor, a web-based educational software program for Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Learning Today’s primary goal is to research, develop, and deliver effective online reading and math assessment and interactive instructional content for students in order to support instruction and targeted intervention. Smart Tutor supports students in need of academic remediation, maintenance, or advancement. Smart Tutor Reading and Math programs are available online at www.LearningToday.com for schools, school districts, and extended-day learning centers and at www.SmartTutor.com for home or homeschool use.