Recommends different preparation for mathematics teachers of students at different scholastic levels. Discusses research that tends to support such a view. Presents data from original research concerning the value of high school math teachers possessing knowledge of mathematics different from junior high school math teachers. (HB)

Thirty special educators of 91 mildly and moderately handicapped students were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 curriculum-based measurement (CBM) groups or to control group. Found that use of CBM with both performance indicator and skills analysis resulted in more specific instructional changes and better student achievement than CBM with performance…

Asks how parents' involvement in school differs for sons and daughters, and how it affects the gender gap in mathematics achievement. Finds a similar relationship between involvement and achievement for both genders that diminishes throughout high school; finds no evidence that patterns of parental involvement promote the mathematics gender gap.…

Examines recent research on motivation in mathematics education and discusses findings from research perspectives in this domain. Notes that consistencies across research perspectives suggest a set of generalizable conclusions about the contextual factors, cognitive processes, and benefits of interventions that affect students' and teachers'…

A Netherlands study shows that differences in student achievement between parallel classes taught by different teachers may be very small. Teachers' coordination efforts relate primarily to instructional goals and content. Regarding classroom instruction, large differences among teachers may be detected. Teachers may need more information to…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics formulated its Standards in response to a broad consensus demanding change. The Core-Plus Mathematics Project (CPMP) is an effective National Science Foundation-supported effort to design, prepare, evaluate, and disseminate curricular options for an NCTM standards-based high-school mathematics…

Investigated relationships among different types of errors occurring during probability problem solving by 50 graduate students without mathematical sophistication. Categorized errors as text comprehension, conceptual, procedural, and arithmetic/computation errors. Discusses implications for the teaching and learning of probability problem…

Studied the effects of poor school funding and child poverty on mathematics achievement in U.S. schools using data from the Second International Mathematics Study. Results suggest the substantial and statistically significant net effects on mathematics achievement of level of school funding and child poverty. (SLD)

Examines the status of Broward County (Florida) Public Schools high school students, who must satisfy the district's algebra requirement in order to graduate. Data indicate that the majority of district students are meeting the new, higher standards; 80% of seniors in school year 1998-99 had previously completed the algebra requirement. (MLH)

Discusses some results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and responds to criticisms of that study. (WRM)

Following a preexperimental assessment of computer interactive math performance, four regular education students participated in an ABAB reversal of treatment design. Treatment entailed computer-displayed monetary reinforcement for correct self-assessments. Three of the four students demonstrated high rates of correct problems/minute during…

Analyzed academic achievement scores of 115 African American students referred for psychological examination. Although tests purported to measure the same mathematics or reading constructs, statistically significant mean differences were present in four of six comparisons. Reading comprehension measures shared the lowest amount of common variance.…

Scores of 77 entering British nursing students on a math diagnostic test were compared to their math grades on General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. Results suggest that Advanced-level math is a good predictor of future math performance. Although GCSE grade C is an entry standard for nursing, it does not ensure math competence.…

To allow variable amounts of time for students to complete Algebra I, a gateway course, schools must address four issues: curriculum, instructional methods, assessment, and scheduling. The Algebra I curriculum should be divided into four parts; assessments should be designed to measure students' mastery of each part. Also, a two-period block of…

Voluntary national exams in reading (grade 4) and mathematics (grade 8) would mobilize Americans to increase student achievement. Tests would be overseen by a public, independent governing board, based on respected National Assessment of Education Progress frameworks and standards, and given to individual students. Results would be released…