An operational multistage adaptive test (MST) requires the development of a large item bank and the effort to continuously replenish the item bank due to concerns about test security and validity over the long term. New items should be pretested and linked to the item bank before being used operationally. The linking item volume fluctuations in…

Block-based visual programming tools are widely used in elementary education. Nonetheless, these tools alone may not ensure the spontaneous and efficient acquisition of concepts and skills in computational thinking (CT). Using mind mapping as a form of scaffolding to facilitate the visualization of abstract thinking processes may enhance the…

Screening items for parameter drift helps protect against serious validity threats and ensure score comparability when equating forms. Although many high-stakes credentialing examinations operate with small sample sizes, few studies have investigated methods to detect drift in small sample equating. This study demonstrates that several newly…

Districts across the nation are seeking ways to increase efficiency by maintaining, if not improving, educational outcomes using fewer resources. One measure that is sometimes used as a proxy for school district efficiency is an expenditure-to-performance ratio, for example a ratio of per pupil expenditures to student academic performance. This…

Social return on investment (SROI) offers a new strategy to measure and communicate the value of outcomes achieved by programs that provide social, health, and education services to children and their families. It can be a powerful tool for demonstrating the monetary value of programs and services and for communicating that value in a way that can…

The authors examined the effectiveness of strategy instruction taught by general educators in mixed-ability classrooms. Specifically, the authors compared the mathematical word problem-solving performance and computational skills of students who received schema-based instruction (SBI) with students who received general strategy instruction (GSI).…

This case study examined the performance of a 13-year-old highly skilled mental calculator on mental multiplication tasks. She solved difficult tasks by using various ingenious calculation methods, including distributing, factoring, and recalling the product directly. Implications for instruction are reported. (Author/RH)

Studied for three years were eight Swedish classes with pupils aged 10-12 using calculators whenever they could be of use, along with experimental textbooks. The experimental classes were as competent as control classes in mental arithmetic and calculations with simple algorithms, and had better understanding of numbers and problem solving. (MNS)

This report summarizes a project to develop computational estimation materials for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. In chapter 1, the need for estimation skills is discussed and the goals of the project are stated: to develop a carefully sequenced set of lessons, activities, and maintenance work on estimation with whole numbers, fractions,…

Found that there was significantly improved achievement of students whose teachers received diagnostic error information from a microcomputer program compared to teachers who did not receive such information. Explanations for the improved achievement and implications for mathematics instruction are addressed. (JN)

A learning disabled student was drilled on multiplication facts, with records of his performance used to help him reach mastery. A sequence in which the 0 facts, 1 facts, etc., are taught is used. (MNS)

Presents a number of transcript examples of correct and incorrect transferences by children. Considers the objects of transference including spoken words, written symbols, models and diagrams, arithmetic procedures, and structures. Discusses the use of transference in arithmetic education. (YP)

The "count-by" technique of multiplication was taught to a fourth grade student with learning disabilities. The student learned to count by numbers not typically taught (e.g., fours, sevens, and eights). The method resulted in substantial increases in correct multiplications performed per minute, which were maintained and generalized to…

The necessity for developing computational estimation procedures has resulted from an increased availability of calculators and microcomputers in the classroom. This article reports on a study of middle school students who were given computational problems to estimate and explain how answers were obtained. Results are discussed. (Author/DF)

Children use acquired knowledge as they learn basic multiplication facts. If informal thinking strategies are stressed, the border between "figuring out" and "knowing by heart" gradually disappears. Children will acquire a flexible mental structure of multiplication facts instead of a collection of rules. (MNS)