The impact which standardized mathematics tests have upon classroom instruction--content, sequence, pacing--is explored, and harmful consequences are discussed. Four suggestions are offered for enabling teachers to minimize "teaching for the tests" and to present a mathematics curriculum appropriate for their particular students. (DG)

Providing students with realistic problems will facilitate a better understanding of and reason for computation. Specific suggestions for introducing and for increasing problem-solving skills are described. (CJ)

A variety of techniques for incorporating writing--the writing of letters, the keeping of logs, the devising of word problems--into the mathematics curriculum are discussed. The benefits from using an integrated approach are indicated. (DG)

Classroom games designed to develop mathematics skills in elementary school children are presented. These games involve personalizing metric measurement, telling time by television, creating an all-math newsletter, addition puzzles, subtraction games, division cards, multiplication, fractions, and measurement. (JD)

The importance of including statistics and probability concepts in elementary mathematics instruction is discussed. Examples of student-centered classroom activities that introduce statistics are suggested, and six ideas central to statistics and probability are stated. (FG)

A four-week third-grade class study of the Summer Olympics is described. Activities for studying the host and participating countries were incorporated through map, social studies, art, mathematics, and language arts activities. (CB)

The computer can be an effective mathematics teaching tool when combined with concrete learning materials. To be used properly in the classroom, the computer should emphasize thinking skills rather than repetitive drill and practice. (DF)

Use of a checkbook can hook even the most reluctant mathematics students into learning mathematical and problem-solving skills. (CB)

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

An open classroom provides the setting for a Philadelphia teacher who uses unconventional but effective methods to teach the three R's. Examples of Lynne Yermanock Strieb's approaches to teaching reading and mathematics to first- and second-grade students are given. (PP)

Thirty-five outstanding educational programs were identified by a panel composed of educators, parents, and students. Computer programs are listed in the areas of reading and language arts, mathematics, general problem solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, and computer literacy. (PP)

A City Building Education System uses the process of city planning to teach basic reading, writing, and math skills to children from kindergarten through junior high school and to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving abilities. (JMF)