For many students, the longer they are in school, the less they trust in their ability to do math and fail to see why math is important to know. How can middle and secondary school educators turn that tendency around? Teachers can explore how their colleagues are answering that question and improving math programs in grades 7-12 in this next volume of "Priorities in Practice: The Essentials of Mathematics." Award-winning mathematics teachers and respected math researchers share their perspectives on how to improve mathematics education through equal access, technological tools, lessons with real-life scenarios, formative assessments, and differentiated instruction. Following an introduction, this book is divided into the following chapters: (1) Trends; (2) Considering Curriculum; (3) Bringing the Curriculum to Life in the Classroom; (4) Nurturing the Struggling Mathematical Mind; and (5) Implications for Professional Development. Also included are: Looking Forward; References and Resources; and About the Author.