Explains the approach of integrating notions of algebra in problem-solving experiences and the design of instructional activities that integrate nonroutine, nontraditional problems. Presents some problems and students' interpretations, conjectures, and generalizations about the patterns they discovered. (AIM)

Examined the impact of parent-school involvement on Title I second through eighth graders' reading and mathematics achievement, noting the effect of student gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Student testing data, SES data, and information on parent involvement indicated that parental involvement, regardless of child's gender or SES, was a…

Reports research into the conceptions of mathematics, orientations to studying it, and experiences of learning it of 300 Australian first-year university students. Results suggest two qualitatively different experiences of learning mathematics. Differences in students' conceptions of mathematics were related to their experiences and their…

Voluntary national tests based on national and international benchmarks can be powerful tools for change in all schools. The tests would help monitor students' progress at two key educational junctures--fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math. Tests would be based on the National Assessment of Education Progress content frameworks and…

An evaluation of the Primary Education Quality Improvement Project in Indonesia illustrates that combining the knowledge base and methodology of educational effectiveness research and cost-effectiveness analysis provides fruitful possibilities for future theoretical/practical developments in both approaches. PEQIP positively affected student…

A study assessed the predictive value of kindergarten teachers on 234 pupils for later first-grade academic achievement. Ratings of academic performance were significantly correlated with scores on outcome measures on math and reading ability. Results indicated high overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the…

Describes children's gains in two areas during the kindergarten year: overall reading and mathematics knowledge and skills and specific knowledge and skills. Examines differences by child, family, and school characteristics. Data are from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which will follow these students from kindergarten through fifth…

Examines the relationship between early childhood education and primary school academic achievement in the Solomon Islands. Notes factors influencing higher performance in reading comprehension and mathematics skills, and use of age appropriate materials. Offers insights for educators, policy planners, communities, and families. (JPB)

Describes a study that maps the performance of entering undergraduates on secondary school level mathematics items, compares the actual student performance with that estimated by practicing teachers, and identifies the level of agreement demonstrated by the teachers regarding expectations of student performance. (ASK)

Presents an executive summary of a white paper prepared for the U.S. Secretary of Education. Provides information about the mathematics and science courses that students take in middle school and high school and their effects on student achievement. (ASK)

Investigated whether kindergarten students who played Sony PlayStation educational video games for 40 minutes daily for 11 weeks learned better than peers who did not play such games. Found that the experimental group gained significantly more than the control group in spelling and decoding on the Wide Range Achievement Test-R3. Found no…

Studied the effects of 120 hours of chess instruction on the mathematics achievement of southern, rural, black secondary students. Analysis of covariance results show the treatment group (11 females, 9 males) scored significantly higher than the control group (10 females, 10 males) in mathematics achievement. Discusses results in terms of altering…

Lists five possible reasons for Singapore students' success in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Asks readers to reflect on the implications for mathematics teaching and learning in the United States. (ASK)

Prison inmates (n=71) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (computer-assisted and traditional instruction) or control group (traditional only). The study attempted to avoid flaws of similar research by using the same traditional instructors, same length of instruction, and posttest administration after 4 weeks. No differences in reading…

Compares the effects of specific and general abilities on the reading and mathematics achievement of students from three ethnic groups. Results suggest that specific abilities are important for understanding student achievements, and that the same abilities are important for all ethnic groups. (Author/MKA)