The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) has been planned as an ongoing program of assessment. The first cycle of the assessment has involved two "rounds." The first round, which is covered by this report, took place over the period of January 2008-October 2013. The main features of the first cycle of…

This paper describes how decisions were made on procedures for counting the homeless population for the 1990 census. These topics are covered: (1) reasons the Census Bureau did not specifically label anyone as "homeless" while still including homeless persons in the census; (2) how the lists of sites where homeless persons might be found were…

Proposes a framework that identifies the components of number sense and the attributes of students who possess it. Discusses various aspects of three areas where number sense plays a key role: number concepts, operations with numbers, and applications of number and operation. (MDH)

This study of one part of the cognitive system of an illiterate Indian (his method of enumeration, computation, and evaluation) demonstrates the sophisticated conceptualization of which he is capable, independent of a writing system. (Author/CMG)

Introduces a collection of papers presented at a symposium on the situationally-specific character of problem-solving practices. Reports that findings provoke speculation about relations among social contexts, knowledge and activity, and relations between school-learned problem-solving techniques and those used in other settings. (KH)

Examines what constraints govern the physical process of computation, considering such areas as whether a minimum amount of energy is required per logic step. Indicates that although there seems to be no minimum, answers to other questions are unresolved. Examples used include DNA/RNA, a Brownian clockwork turning machine, and others. (JN)

Shows that the rules of thumb for propagating significant figures through arithmetic calculations frequently yield misleading results. Also describes two procedures for performing this propagation more reliably than the rules of thumb. However, both require considerably more calculational effort than do the rules. (JN)

Addresses the principles and problems associated with the use of significant figures. Explains uncertainty, the meaning of significant figures, the Simple Rule, the Three Rule, and the 1-5 Rule. Also provides examples of the Rules. (ML)

Computational science is defined as science done on a computer. A computer can serve as a laboratory for researchers who cannot experiment with their subjects, and as a calculator for those who otherwise might need centuries to solve some problems mathematically. The National Science Foundation's support of supercomputers is discussed. (MLW)

Discusses the use of computer programs in science and mathematics. Provides examples of how computation offers a new means of describing and investigating scientific and mathematical systems and how computer simulation can be used to examine new kinds of models for natural phenomena. (JN)

Discusses how computational errors arise in analysis of data and how they can be minimized. Shows that all computations are subject to roundoff/truncation errors and how such errors are propagated and influence the stability and condition of a reaction. Applications to procedures used in analytical chemistry are addressed. (JN)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has completed its second mathematical assessment. This article focuses on the results from the second assessment of 9 year olds and 13 year olds; major results of the content areas are summarized and examples of the data are given to support the conclusions. (Author/MK) Aspect of National…

This paper presents an overview of the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP) elementary school mathematics curriculum. The philosophy behind the program, content goals, and teaching strategies are briefly discussed. Then ways in which the program develops facility in mathematics are described in discussions of the language of arrows, in…

Conducted a study to determine the level of basic skills achievement among Ohio high school business education seniors. Found that these students lacked competency in general knowledge and in computational skills, basic English skills, and typewriting skills. (GC)

A unit on the division of decimals by decimals that used electronic calculators as a teaching aid is described. The learning package created, the operation of the project, and several outcomes are presented. The results strongly indicated that mathematics can be taught using a calculator. (MP)