The U.S. educational system is undergoing rapid and substantial changes with many states grappling with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM). Important research questions remain unanswered regarding the potential efficacy of the CCSSM to improve student math performance compared with students around the globe.…

This article summarizes research conducted on calculator block items from the 2007 fourth- and eighth-grade National Assessment of Educational Progress Main Mathematics. Calculator items from the assessment were categorized into two categories: problem-solving items and noncomputational mathematics concept items. A calculator has the potential to…

A central goal of secondary mathematics is for students to learn to use powerful algebraic strategies appropriately. Research has demonstrated student difficulties in the transition to using such strategies. We examined strategies used by several thousand 8th-, 9th-, and 10th-grade students in five different school systems over three consecutive…

Reports a study to examine secondary school students' (n=200) responses to two figurally and spatially similar problems from mathematics and science that require different responses before and after instruction. Results indicated that most students gave the same response to both questions. Reasons for this pattern are discussed. (MDH)

This study looked at student difficulties with fractions by focusing on understanding of part/whole relationships. The sample consisted of two sixth-grade and two eighth-grade classes. A lack of substantial improvement from sixth to eighth grade on many fraction tasks was noted and viewed as cause for concern. (MP)

Current practices in teaching about distributivity of multiplication over addition and subtraction are reviewed. Then a study is described in which two inventories were administered to 83 eighth-grade students; scores were low. Suggestions for teaching distributivity are presented. (MNS)