"Everyday Mathematics is the elementary component of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP); a long-term project designed to improve mathematics at all grade levels. UCSMP believes that most students are capable of a much greater understanding and proficiency in mathematics than has traditionally been expected, especially if richer mathematical experiences begin the primary grades.

The Everyday Mathematics curriculum is developed with the belief that people rarely learn a new concept or a skill the first time they experience it. Concepts are more fully understood only after repeated and varied experiences. The revisiting of mathematical concepts can best be illustrated with a spiral. The spiral allows important concepts and skills to frequently recur with variations throughout the curriculum. Each grade level builds on and extends concepts understanding so that children approach each new challenge from a firmly established foundation. This gives the child many opportunities to grasp an idea in slightly different contexts when developmentally ready to do so.

Everyday Mathematics has been thoroughly field tested and is developmentally appropriate for all children and pedagogically appropriate for all teachers."