No matter what path students pursue in postsecondary education and in life, they need to be able to problem-solve and think critically. The study of mathematics teaches skills and habits of mind that are an essential part of the formula for students to succeed in further studies and in their careers. Requiring all students, regardless of the…

Mathematics teachers confront dozens of daily decisions about how to instruct students. It is well established that high-quality instruction provides benefits for students with diverse learning and family backgrounds. However, it is often difficult for teachers to identify the critical aspects of a successful mathematics lesson as they strive to…

As part of Alberta Education's (Canada) broadened assessment initiatives, a sample of 693 Grade 3 students from across the province participated in the Mathematics Performance-based Assessment, 1994. This activity-based assessment, using picture books and manipulatives, was developed by Grade 3 teachers to assess a broad range of skills not easily…

Reviews of relevant research on the application of operations research and statistics that appeared prior to 1980 are compared with those appearing in the early 1980s. In summary, both explicit and implicit users of mathematics in educational administration see it as a tool that essentially brings order and generalizability to administrative data.…

This document consists of three issues of the journal "Seedbed," an outcome of the Teachers' Center Project at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). Issue Number 29 contains 67 articles on teachers' ideas that they thought worth sharing with other teachers. Issue Number 30 consists of a single paper, "Children and…

Ties together the educational threads of teaching thinking skills and improving the intellectual performance in deaf learners. Identifies six criteria for curriculum or research decisions related to teaching for higher-level problem solving. Applications of these ideas to mathematics are left to the reader. (MDH)

A number of recent reports have called for increased teaching of "problem solving" and "critical thinking," particularly at the elementary level. This paper provides descriptive and evaluative data on a 9-month inservice program in mathematics for 89 elementary school teachers and 6 elementary school principals from 22 different schools. The…

Several competencies and instructional strategies necessary to accommodate the changing role of teachers of mathematics at middle-school level are described. Also provided are teacher-generated and teacher-tested instructional activities that can be used to facilitate student success in learning mathematical concepts. After describing the…

This document presents Core Course Proficiencies for the State of New Jersey whose purpose is to ensure that all students have equal access to the fundamental knowledge and skills critical to achieving success in mathematics. After an introduction providing rationale and background, the Core Course Proficiencies are presented in three sections.…

This eight part guide was developed to assist individuals in improving mathematics education in Georgia schools, particularly in planning curriculum at the local level. The guide was prepared on the basis of successful teaching practices and recommendations from recognized educators. Information regarding considerations unique to teaching the…

This document has been prepared to help teachers and administrators in New York plan and execute a mathematics program for grade eight. The syllabus is designed to improve the problem solving abilities of students, while continuing a natural development of mathematical skills and concepts. Problem solving situations are emphasized in each of seven…

The "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989)" calls for the revision of existing secondary mathematics curricula which include an emphasis on contextual problems, multiple representations, and the use of computers. The focus of this revision significantly involves the acknowledgment of the key role of the…

Guidelines that were prepared for use in curriculum development efforts by schools and districts throughout the state of Washington are presented in this document. The philosophy of mathematics education reflected in these guidelines is presented, as are a discussion of areas to be addressed if needed improvements in the K-8 mathematics program…

This article addresses some important issues in mathematics instruction at the middle and secondary levels, including the structuring of a district's mathematics program; the choice of textbooks and use of calculators in the classroom; the need for more rigorous lesson planning practices; and the dangers of teaching to standardized tests rather…

As momentum for change in U.S. education continues to grow, questions about the nature and goals of mathematics education take on increasing urgency. This report proposes a framework for reform of school mathematics mainly through reshaping of the mathematics curriculum. Chapters included are: (1) "A Rationale for Change," describing changing…