This book identifies and examines two big ideas and related essential understandings for teaching multiplication and division in grades 3-5. Big Idea 1 captures the notion that multiplication is usefully defined as a scalar operation. Problem situations modeled by multiplication have an element that represents the scalar and an element that…

How can busy teachers successfully manage the complex task of assessing their students' reading comprehension? This invaluable book--the first stand-alone guide on the topic--presents reliable, research-supported guidelines and procedures for K-6 teachers to use in the classroom. Through practical tips and realistic examples, the book demonstrates…

For middle and high school teachers of social studies and English, this book is filled with examples of instructional strategies that address students' readiness levels, interests, and learning preferences. It shows teachers how to formatively assess their students by addressing differentiated learning targets. Included are detailed examples of…

Increased attention has been given to issues of assessment in recent years. Teachers of mathematics have been working to change both the way they elicit evidence of their students' mathematical thinking and the way they use that evidence to monitor students' progress and guide instructional decision making. This publication is based on work done…

Describes the three phases of the learning cycle (exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion) and explains how they can be used in educational assessment. The use of semantic mapping, concept mapping, and mental modeling in the evaluation of student learning is described. (PR)

Provided are copy masters, instructions for use, and grading criteria for six problems used as part of the practical assessment for a modular science course. Each problem gives a narrative and a list of materials necessary to complete the problem. (CW)

Presents ideas for an assessment that reflects the curriculum standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Discusses how assessment tasks are created to support instruction that values a mastery of the basics, mental mathematics, mathematical vocabulary, problem solving and writing in mathematics, calculator…

Data from some geometric exercises administered during the 1977-78 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are analyzed, and suggestions for correcting student deficiencies are presented. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Describes the assessment of students' problem-solving skills through the use of short case scenarios about which students are asked to make essential decisions. Discusses strategies for selecting essential decisions, writing cases carefully, and selecting appropriate question formats. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/WRM)

This guide is organized around a list of skills that all students should know and be able to do at each grade level from kindergarten through sixth grade. It provides parents, teachers, and students with knowledge of what is being taught in a logical scope and sequence by grade level. The purpose of this guide is to help build a basis for…

Suggests that, although questions are often used to help students or stimulate student thinking, questions can also be used to help evaluate student thinking and attitudes about problem solving. Sample problems and questions are given. (PK)

This publication, a result of the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP), is designed for use as a resource or reference guide and not as a basic skills textbook. It focuses on that part of the mathematics curriculum which is reflected in the South Carolina State Basic Skills Objectives. Information is provided not only for the grades tested by…

This publication contains seven papers by the staff of the University of Exeter School of Education and by invited outside contributors. The focus is on the changing mathematics curriculum, instructional practices, and research findings. The papers are: (1) "Mathematics Education for the 21st Century: It's Time for a Revolution!" (David…

Offers seven criteria for developing mathematical thinking, plus suggestions for teaching and assessing students' progress that are compatible with each learning criterion. Provides evaluation sheets that help the teacher assess and grade students on the criteria. (10 references) (MDH)

This book reviews alternative assessment. Suggestions include portfolios, interviews, observations, journals, and tests utilizing various rubrics. This book contains suggestions and materials that teachers can use to assess students' progress in problem solving, reasoning, and communication. Many performance tasks and problem-specific rubrics for…