foundation for understanding and lasting learning. In the Focal Points, NCTM made it clear that the standard algorithms were to be included in arithmetic instruction. Mathematics curricula in the United States are often described as "a mile wide and an inch deep" when compared with curricula from other countries. State content expectations per grade level range anywhere between 26 and 89 topics. At just three per grade (plus a few additional "connection" topics), the focal points offer more than headings for long lists, providing instead descriptions of the most significant mathematical concepts and skills at each grade level and identifying important connections to other topics. NCTM believes that organizing a curriculum around these described focal points, with a clear emphasis on the processes that Principles and Standards addresses in the Process Standards—communication, reasoning, representation, connections, and, particularly, problem solving—can provide students with a connected, coherent, ever expanding body of mathematical knowledge and ways of thinking. The Focal Points were one of the documents used in creating the 2010 Common Core State Standards, which have been adopted by most states as the basis for new math curricula. See also American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Common Core State Standards Initiative Math wars Mathematical Association of America New Mathematics References External links NCTM's Official Website Principles and Standards for School Mathematics Teaching Children Mathematics Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School Mathematics Teacher Mathematics Teacher Educator Critics Washington math advocacy group campaigning against NCTM math Mathematics education in the United States Education reform Mathematics education reform Organizations established in 1920