The Canadian School Mathematics Forum 2003 will take place on May 16-18 at the Université du Québec à Montréal. The event is organized by the Canadian Mathematical Society in partnership with a vast number of Canadian organizations and associations. These partners either are directly involved in mathematics teaching or recognize the important role played by mathematics and science education in producing highly qualified personnel and supporting the growth of research and development in this country. The Honorary President of the Forum is Pierre Reid, Minister of Education of Quebec. Mr. Reid will address participants when he introduces the Public Lecturer on May 16 at 8:00 p.m. in Pavillon J.-A. DeSève (UQAM). The Public Lecture will be preceded by a reception at 7:00 p.m.

The 2003 Forum will bring together some 150 participants from all Canadian provinces and territories, representing the many different groups that are interested in and have an impact on mathematics teaching at the elementary and secondary levels.

First of all, the Forum will provide an opportunity to compare issues and best practices across the country. Working groups will explore critical issues in mathematics teaching and identify possible courses of action. One group will focus specifically on mathematics teaching in aboriginal communities. All outcomes will be made widely available both electronically and in print. The Forum is a first step towards promoting greater cooperation between universities and school teachers, as well as between the various provincial teaching associations. It will examine the issues surrounding the creation of a Canadian sub-commission of the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI). The Forum will also identify working directions on which subgroups can prepare detailed findings in preparation for the second Forum in Ontario in 2005.

The Forum's five themes are:

• Comparison of experiences
• Critical thinking
• Mathematics in the modern school: goals and challenges
• Teachers' education and development
• A vision for the future

Plenary Speakers:

• Hyman Bass and Deborah Ball, University of Michigan
• Jean-Pierre Kahane, Université de Paris-Sud
• Frederick Leung, University of Hong Kong

Public Lecture: The Pleasure of Mathematics, Jean-Marie de Koninck

There will also be 4 panel discussions and 16 working groups.

For more information:

www.cms.math.ca/Events/CSMF2003/

Christiane Rousseau
Tel: (514) 343-7729
president@cms.math.ca

Graham Wright
Tel: (613) 562-5702
director@cms.math.ca