Math Hierarchy of Needs

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics envisions a world in which every student is "enthused about mathematics, sees the value and beauty of mathematics, and is empowered by the opportunities mathematics affords."

While we whole-heartedly support this vision, there exists a key question: How do we achieve this vision?

Our answer: The Mathematics Hierarchy of Needs

What is the Math Hierarchy of Needs?

The Math Hierarchy of Needs is a framework that establishes a roadmap for creating a mathematics instruction ecosystem that nurtures students to be enthused by mathematics because they see the value and beauty of mathematics, and are thus empowered by the opportunities that mathematics affords. The Math Hierarchy – derived from Maslow's hierarchy of needs – is an elegant framework that informs what instruction in the classroom should look like and how site/district leaders might provide coherent professional development opportunities that systematically improves student outcomes. The Math Hierarchy of Needs creates a common language the math community can use to speak in practical ways about what ambitious mathematics instruction (and the professional development to support it) should look like.