A few weeks ago a group of senior mathematicians, teachers, statisticians, and curriculum developers met in Boston to discuss the future of high school mathematics. This Who’s Who of math education concluded that “education policy makers and mathematics educators should resist the common wish for a quick fix and stay the course, modifying goals and efforts as results suggest such actions.”
They cited four key elements of the Common Core program that provide a basis for productive change in U. S. high school mathematics: 1. Comprehensive and Integrated Curriculum, 2. Mathematical Habits of Mind, 3. Balanced Attention to Technique, Understanding, and Application, and 4 Information Technologies.
During your well-deserved time away from the school or district I hope you will take a minute to look at the complete Washington Post article by Valerie Strauss.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/12/06/the-future-of-high-school-math-education/