Guiding Principles

These beliefs guide CPM throughout course implementation which are rooted in research about collaborative learning, problem based learning, and mastery over time.


  1. Students' involvement in effective study teams increases their ability to learn mathematics.
  2. Students have significantly better retention of mathematics when concepts are grounded in context.
  3. Students deepen their mathematical understanding when they engage with concepts over time.
  4. Effective study teams are guided, supported, and summarized by a reflective, knowledgeable teacher.
  5. Assessing what students understand requires more than one method and more than one opportunity.
  6. When students and stakeholders embrace a growth mindset, they understand that mastery takes time, effort, and support.

» CPM Glossary