The program’s chief goal-to strengthen secondary students’ mathematical understandings-is achieved, in part, by providing mathematics teachers with opportunities to deepen their understandings of learners from diverse backgrounds and to explore issues of equity in mathematics classrooms within urban environments. The program prepares teachers to conduct action research in the context of their own classrooms in order to inform instruction, and to share the knowledge gained in a professional community of teachers.

Through engaging teachers in advanced mathematics coursework, the program strengthens teachers’ mathematical content knowledge. In general, the Program of Study is framed by the principles and standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.