Algebra for Teachers

In Fall 2010 I took Algebra for Teachers with Dr. Menendez.  One of the things that was most useful to me was the use of algeblocks.  I had seen them before but had never used them much and was glad for the opportunity to try them.  I also had the opportunity to look at the standards for mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and compare them to the SOLs.  I think the NCTM standards are more rigorous and all-encompassing than the SOLs are.