In my experiences, students with Developmental Disability (DD) are routinely excluded from Algebra and other high-level mathematics courses. People with DD do not have the opportunity to learn Algebra, which may support the understanding and provide purpose for learning money and budgeting skills that, perhaps, could help them avoid financial…

The Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) Program was designed to teach students complex problem-solving skills. This paper reports the effects of USMES on basic skills, explains the effects, comments on difficulties in data collection, and recommends data-gathering that should complement or replace standard basic skills…

The effect of instruction in addition and subtraction concepts and skills on the processes first-grade pupils use to solve verbal problems was studied. Children represented solutions in individual interviews. Results indicated pupils shifted from a concrete direct modeling approach to a more unified conception that incorporated symbolic…

Suggestions for assisting learning disabled (LD) students in decision making are given for determining what information is needed, the correct operation for solving a given problem, and whether an answer is reasonable. (MP)

Failure of most children to solve word problems beyond the simplest is seen to stem from two causes: failure to understand applied arithmetic and failure to relate problems to the real world. Relevant research is reviewed, and a route for new research is proposed. (MP)

"QuickSmart" is a basic academic skills intervention designed for persistently low-achieving students in the middle years of schooling that aims to improve the automaticity of basic skills to improve higher-order processes, such as problem solving and comprehension, as measured on standardized tests. The "QuickSmart" instructional program consists…

These materials were developed in response to the Utah State Board of Education's new high school graduation requirements, particularly as they relate to the identification, teaching, and assessment of certain basic functional competencies. The document has been compiled as a guide and aid to mathematics teachers. Thirty competencies have been…

This investigation: (a) assesses developmental differences in children's estimation skills through normative data on performance on a variety of problems; (b) assesses validity of a proposed estimation model on the basis of children's performance; and (c) suggests modifications of the model as a guide to further research. (MP)

Interesting mathematical questions that require computations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals are presented. The material is designed for students in the middle school grades, but many of the ideas could be used with higher or lower level pupils. (MP)

Asserting that problem solving is the most important mathematical skill that elementary students need to learn, the authors present teaching tips and sample problems geared to the primary and intermediate grades. (SJL)

This book helps teachers examine how children learn mathematics, develop a positive attitude toward and an interest in mathematics, teach mathematics with problem solving as the primary focus, understand the elements of a comprehensive mathematics curriculum, and establish a classroom environment that supports children's learning of mathematics.…

The focus is on suggestions, with examples, for teaching estimation skills. Estimating can be a very enjoyable as well as a very useful part of mathematics, helping to improve attitudes of pupils toward the subject by providing success. Estimation is shown not to be synonymous with mental arithmetic. (MP)

This article presents results of a meta-analysis of 58 studies of mathematics intervention for elementary students with special needs. Studies in preparatory mathematics, basic skills, and problem solving were reviewed. Duration and method of instruction proved important. Direct instruction and self-instruction were more effective than mediated…

This paper reviews 25 studies of intervention research in mathematics with subjects classified as mentally retarded. Research has primarily been conducted in three areas: basic skills and concepts; rule learning and problem solving; and applications, including time, money, and measurement skills. Results are discussed in relation to instructional…

This unit describes four secondary school activities related to the geography of the Great Lakes. In Activity A students develop map skills as they study the lakes' positions and associated cities; these skills are applied to the St. Lawrence Seaway in Activity B. Activities C and D involve learners in solving perimeter, area, distance, rate,…