This report is incorporated into "Attaining Excellence: A TIMSS Resource Kit." Released in Fall 1997, the TIMSS resource kit was developed for educators and those interested in using TIMSS data to improve teaching, curricula, and student achievement in state and local communities. This module presents information about the grade 8…

Middle school data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) are analyzed in this study to compare achievement differences between adjacent grades. To facilitate this computer-based analysis, a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program has been developed to transpose matrices of the item scores in more than 40 countries.…

The purpose of this study was to examines the relationship between students' core knowledge and their achievement in mathematics and reading on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The study was based on E. D. Hirsch's theory that having a strong foundation of core knowledge in one grade is necessary for growth and the understanding of new and more…

During the final three weeks of the school year, children in North Carolina take the state-required multiple-choice North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests in Reading and Mathematics. The End-of-Grade Testing Parent/Teacher Report provides test scores and information to understand their child?s scores. In addition, the End-of-Grade Testing…

The North Carolina Pretest?Grade 3 is administered to all grade 3 students during the first three weeks of school. The pretest measures the knowledge and skills specified for grade 2 from the reading and mathematics goals and objectives of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The pretest is used in the determination of growth in student…

This report focuses on the performance of students with disabilities and limited English proficiency on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). The MCAs are used for accountability purposes at the district level for grades 3 and 5 in Reading and Mathematics. Newly developed MCAs in grades 10 (reading) and 11 (mathematics) that were…

The achievement gap between low-income African American students and their White counterparts remains substantial. To address this, researchers have begun to examine the impact of culture on cognitive performance among African American students (Lee, 2001; Foster, Lewis, & Onafowora, 2003). The findings from this work suggest that when aspects of…

This report is one of a series of reports produced by a research partnership supported by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) involving researchers, teachers, local administrators, and state education and tribal officials. The partnership is engaged in a long-term research project that includes reviewing research and related…

Results from testing long division with students from age 11 to Continuing Education were traced. A much higher percentage of wrong answers was given when there was an embedded zero in the answer. (MNS)

Examines the discrepancy between mathematics skills demanded of job applicants and actual need for these skills in carrying out the job. Cites the plight of those who leave school who are being denied graduation and an opportunity for employment for which they might be suited because they failed basic math competency tests. (EAO)

Criticizes the use of new biological theories of human behavior to inform educational policy. Discusses a study by Benbow and Stanley on differential math performance by boys and girls, to illustrate problems inherent in attempts to link a biological substrate with human achievement. (Author/GC)

Compared background characteristics of 49 Hispanic technical college students to those of 53 nonminority students. Findings suggest that socioeconomic factors are influential in the academic achievement of the Hispanic group, particularly in mathematics. Fewer Hispanics received career counseling in high school than did their nonminority peers.…

Dialogue from an interview with a child about division basic facts is presented. The facts are considered by groups, and specific errors are noted. Finally, remediation ideas are given. (MNS)

A three-year research project in England investigated the probability concepts of students aged 11-16. A 26-item test was administered to 2,930 students. The development and test results of one item are presented to illustrate the difficulty of item construction and interpretation. (MNS)

This experiment investigated the effects of progress self-monitoring on children's achievement and percepts of self-efficacy in the context of mathematical competency development. Results showed that self- and external monitoring led to significantly higher percepts of efficacy, skill, and persistence compared with no monitoring. (Author/PN)