ABSTRACT
Educators need to increase the levels of the promising mathematics students and not limit the numbers of students in advanced mathematics and specialized STEM programs. The NCTM Task Force on Mathematically Promising Students defined mathematical promise as a function of ability, motivation, belief, and experience or opportunity. Preparation of high-level STEM students should not be rushed. Appropriate pacing for our top students should include not only acceleration, but also time for students to experience the joy of investigating rich concepts in depth and applying innovative mathematical reasoning and justification to a variety of scientific, engineering, and other problems. It is vital that educators develop the passion, expertise, motivation, and creativity of their most promising mathematics students.
