This report describes a program for improving higher-order thinking skills in mathematics of (n=17) third-, (n=27) fifth-, and (n=27) sixth-grade students in a middle class community. Three interventions were chosen: (1) cooperative learning to develop student self-confidence and to improve student achievement, (2) the instruction of students in…

This proceedings contains 75 research reports, 8 discussion groups, 32 oral reports, and 28 poster presentation entries from the 1996 Annual Meeting of the American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. A one-page synopsis is included for discussion groups, oral reports, and poster presentations. Topic…

In Fall 1994, the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), in California, conducted a study to determine the validity of the Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) placement test. The MDTP provides tests at four levels (i.e., algebra readiness, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-calculus) and is used in the District for…

Research has often found little or no significant differences in overall performance for math students using graphing calculators compared to traditional (non-calculator) classes. However, when performance is divided into procedural and conceptual levels, significant differences appear at the conceptual level. This study investigates the relation…

This kit contains observation matrices for on-going assessment and end of the year evaluation for grades 1 through 8. Each matrix is divided into the areas of numeration, geometry, patterns, measurement, problem solving, data, and computation. Performance indicators indicate four levels of proficiency where Level I indicates minimal performance…

This publication offers excerpts from the National Courses of Study revised by the Ministry of Education in Japan. The first section discusses curriculum for kindergarten. It states that lessons must be presented at least 39 weeks a year and the standard number of class periods per day should occupy four hours. Content is classified into four…

This study aims to evaluate the degree to which the achievement level descriptions adopted by the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) for the 1992 assessment in mathematics accurately represent what students at a given achievement level can do. NAGB descriptions of the levels were used to form lists of statements about what students at a…

This paper examines whether the existence of national education goals implies a new federal role in school finance. Disparities across the 50 states in terms of fiscal capacity and tax effort, education spending, and several measures of educational outcomes are analyzed. The next section summarizes a study of variables that predict states with…

This booklet summarizes findings from data on mathematics achievement gathered on the 1992 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for grades 4, 8, and 12. Approximately 26,000 4th, 8th, and 12th graders in 1,500 public and private schools participated in the national assessment. Information included in the report are: trends in…

This report summarizes participation and achievement data provided by state education agencies on the Chapter 1 Migrant Education Program (MEP) for 1992-93. The 1992-93 school year was marked by modest growth in the number of MEP participants. In both regular and summer terms, migrant participants were more likely to receive reading and…

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the relationship between school size and achievement. The study examined the impact of school size on mathematics achievement in Dutch, Swedish, and American secondary education and on science achievement in the Netherlands. The following research questions were explored: (1) Is school size…

This publication discusses the development of girls and women within a hierarchical power structure and the effects on their self-esteem and performance. It describes the differences between girls' and boys' learning styles and educational experiences, which have differential effects on self-esteem and performance, particularly in mathematics and…

This paper reviews literature documenting gender differences in beliefs related to mathematics achievement. The areas included in the discussion are: (1) gender differences in mathematics achievement and self-referenced cognitions, (2) the effect of confidence and anxiety on mathematics performance and expenditure of effort, and (3) confidence and…

The newspaper is a familiar tool to many teachers. This book explores another use for the newspaper in the classroom. As an aid in the teaching and remediating of basic mathematics skills, the newspaper adds variety to classroom instruction. The suggested newspaper activities and teaching ideas presented here are specifically designed to reinforce…

The transcript of the hearing that examined S. 1951, a bill to establish a Federal Interagency Council on Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education, is presented. The purpose of the bill is to promote cooperation and coordination among the dozen or so federal agencies that administer programs in science and math education. Witnesses include…