In this reader, maths teachers in the early years of their careers will find a concise yet comprehensive guide to the development of mathematics teaching in secondary schools and the controversies which currently surround it. After a brief summary of the historical context, a series of short articles provide a range of perspectives on various issues of current debate which will help new teachers in the development of their own teaching styles. These include the impact of computers and calculators on maths teaching, the various arguments for the use of published schemes and of more investigational approaches to the curriculum and the way in which social and cultural factors can affect the teaching of certain mathematical topics. The final section looks at how teachers might want to continue their professional development through action research in their own classrooms.