The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth found large and consistent sex differences in mathematical reasoning ability favoring boys, as reported by Benbow and Stanley (1980, 1981). This investigation studied the development and consequences during junior and senior high school of the sex differences found in seventh grade. (Author/PN)

Data on the mathematics attitudes and achievement of fourth through sixth grade students were considered in relation to sex of student, grade level, type of achievement test, and time during the school year at which the measurements were taken. (Author/CJ)

Over 300 students assessed their causal attributions and expectations for success and failure in mathematics, and their self concepts of math ability. Results varied, depending on research method employed, but did not when taken together support the hypothesis that girls are more learned helpless in mathematics than are boys. (Author/GC)

The degree to which it is possible to identify, from data in their cumulative folders, students likely to fail a high school competency test is investigated. Results indicated that some predictor variables could be used to identify those likely to fail Senior High Assessment of Reading Progress and the Test of Proficiency in Computational Skills.…

Effects of multiage grouping on achievement and self-concept were explored. No significant differences were found between children in multiage and single-age classrooms on any of the achievement measures. Multiage classrooms had higher mean scores on one of the six factors of the self-concept scale, Happiness and Satisfaction. (Author/GK)

This report integrates and briefly discusses some of the empirical findings from field research on educational programs for low-income students. Evaluation indicates the learning gap in mathematics achievement between low-income and middle-income primary grade students can be bridged in many different settings. (MP)

Examines the impact of the aptitude treatment interaction (ATI) between cognitive style and study method on mathematical achievement of disadvantaged students. The findings are thought to suggest that individualized study methods should be investigated further as viable aids for disadvantaged elementary students. (MP)

Investigated the Mathematics Problem Solving (MPS) and Mathematics Concepts (MC) subtests of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills for content and psychometric item bias at grades three, six, and eight. Identified items which favored either males or females. Found no skill classification, item content, or location trends. (Author/JAC)

Eight female fourth- and fifth-grade mathematics teachers, 69 of their middle-class pupils, and the pupils' parents were asked to indicate the extent to which each of 10 given causes influenced the pupil's grade. Their perceptions on teacher, pupil, and parent responsibility for success and failure are compared. (Author/SJL)

Using student achievement in geometry as an output, 17 Punjab (India) schools were dichotomized as productive or underproductive. The global and analytic picture of such schools was viewed in terms of process and structure variables associated with school, classroom, teachers, and students. (Author/SJL)

Relationships between mathematics attitude and mathematics ability were investigated using six scale scores from Sandman's Mathematics Attitude Inventory and four mathematics scores from the California Test of Basic Skills. Results showed significant differences in mathematics attitude and mathematical ability among the class levels and the…

Gender-related differential item functioning (DIF) was examined in a context in which 3,946 middle school students received mathematics instruction focusing on problem solving. Reasons why four tasks on the performance assessment favored female students and two favored male students are discussed. (SLD)

Reports on a pilot program studying the use of computer software to enhance spatial skills presumed to be related to success in calculus. Addresses the effects of such a program on female and minority students. Results indicated that the combined effects of the computer, drawing and drafting, and gender variables explained 31% of the variance in…

This study used the Assessment Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to evaluate the appropriateness and adequacy of selected standardized tests of mathematics achievement as they pertain to students with disabilities. Problems with content validity included inadequate representation of content domains, inappropriate…

This study examined gender-related issues in four Canadian and Asian education systems based on algebra and geometry achievement data. Results suggested that each system affected the academic achievement of males and females in similar ways, although one gender might be affected more seriously than the other. (SM)