In recent years, the term "quantitative literacy" has become a buzzword in the mathematics community. But what does it mean, and is it something that should be incorporated into the high school mathematics classroom? In this article, the authors will define quantitative literacy (QL), discuss how teaching for QL differs from teaching a traditional…

Access to advanced study in mathematics, in general, and to calculus, in particular, depends in part on the conceptual architecture of these knowledge domains. In this paper, we outline an alternative conceptual architecture for elementary calculus. Our general strategy is to separate basic concepts from the particular advanced techniques used in…

How do teachers respond to a mathematics curriculum innovation? This paper reports some of the findings from a UK Research Council (ESRC)-funded project investigating how teachers in English secondary schools (students aged 12-16 years) responded to innovation. A Gatsby Foundation funded program implemented new materials; the project investigated…

Examines the impact of a school-based assessment system on the implementation of an applications/modeling-based curriculum at the senior secondary level. The persistence of high task scaffolding in assessment tasks throughout the course and the concerns of teachers about the reliability and ownership of assessment in unsupervised conditions…

Presented is the work of the calculus group of SMSG. The Advisory Board expressed a desire for a suitable high school calculus text. The calculus group surveyed available texts and, finding none which met advisory board requirements, outlined a suitable course. This outline was annotated for use by future writers. Some group members felt a more…

Identifies seven new axes (or dimensions) of variation in mathematics education analogous to the formal-informal and instructionist-constructivist dimensions. (AIM)

Described is a comprehensive training component to equip the professional staff of the Montgomery County (Maryland) school district to implement mathematics curriculum revisions. Included are the determination of the training needs, design for training, evaluation of the training design, and implications of the training project. (DS)

Develops and tests a function-based approach to algebra called the Visual Mathematics curriculum in grades 7-9. Presents a theoretical framework for a systemic investigation of the structures of algebra word problems and their relationship to function-based solutions. Suggests new insights into categorizing word problems. (Contains 19 references.)…

Synthesized are a number of learning theories (those of Piaget, Bruner, Gagne, Dienes and Skemp) to form one composite teaching-learning model. This model is then applied to mathematics teaching. An example is provided to illustrate how the model may be used to elaborate a teaching-learning scheme for solving quadratic equations. (Author/DS)

Describes an NCTM Standards-based high school mathematics curriculum that involves application, technology, cooperative learning, and open-ended problem solving and compares student attitudes and achievement with a traditional class. Results indicate significant attitude improvement in the mathematical confidence of students in the experimental…

Discusses the problems encountered in developing and maintaining special classes and schools to provide intensive studies in particular areas. Discusses three principles governing the selection of students for special schools. Criticizes selection by a territorial principle. Suggests the third principle of admitting any student who wants to come…

Highlights the influence of mathematics curriculums on educational research and mathematics education improvement and the new rise of change and activity that is dwarfing that of the "new math era." Criteria for papers being submitted to this special issue on mathematics education are listed. (GR)

Computer-enhanced simulation of models permits students to become subjectively involved in interaction with the computer. A method for developing a computer simulation is described, and three examples of computer simulations are given. (JN)

The probability and statistics portion of an optional comprehensive mathematics sequence offered at the secondary level in New York public schools is presented. (MP)

Documents some of the changes that have taken place in secondary school mathematics curriculum. Examines the reasons for the changes in thinking that have brought applications of mathematics from a position of relative nonexistence in the 1960s to one of major importance in the 1990s. (GR)