Mathematics is more than content. Doing
mathematics is a complex process and proficiency in
mathematics means a certain level of expertise,
competence, knowledge, and facility in mathematics.
This article discusses the importance of recognizing
mathematical processes and the challenge of examining
mathematical processes in the assessment process.
In an analysis of a variety of curricula from several
jurisdictions (Suurtamm & Vézina, 2003) mathematics
content strands such as number sense, geometry,
measurement, algebra, statistics, and probability can be
easily matched across curricula from most countries and
provinces. However, mathematical processes are often
not as easily matched. International assessments such
as TIMSS and PISA have prompted international
standards for curriculum. Hence, curricula from different
jurisdictions share similar characteristics such as:
• Curriculum objectives are usually divided into
content strands
• Content strands are similar across jurisdictions
• Many curricula have process strands
However, different jurisdictions define and discuss
mathematical process strands in different ways. Some
countries and provinces have additional frameworks to
support the processes of mathematics. Occasionally one
or more of the processes may be included as a content