Summarizes the data on math and science preparation and the results of the ACT Mathematics and Science Reasoning test for the nation's public high school graduating class of 1994. Highlights how the probability of student success in university science and math courses is affected. A rigorous high school program remains a significant precondition…

Correlations of a test of algebra skills, SAT mathematics scores, and final mathematics grades indicated that most college freshmen would be better placed in mathematics courses by using the test of algebra skills and SAT scores than by using SAT scores alone. (18 references) (Author/MKR)

Reviews the Educational Testing Service's five most recent "State of Achievement" reports on the quality of non-higher education. The value of these reports is questionable, because their bias seems negative and their standards too perfectionist. Apparent poor results for U.S. children, compared with children of other nations, may arise…

Uses a large, national, random sample of elementary school students to determine the effects of classroom racial composition and classmates' ability on African-American students' performance on standardized tests for mathematics and reading. On balance, African-American students do not benefit enough from higher classmate achievement levels to…

In France's highly defined educational hierarchy, apprenticeship ranks low and is rejected by the academically successful. In England, educational pathways are less clearly ranked, and apprenticeships are desirable. Reflecting these differences, English craft apprentices scored higher on mathematics tests and showed less occupational variability…

Analysis of both cross-sectional and longitudinal data from five studies on the academic achievement and cognitive abilities of the top 10% and the most average 10% of students in grades 1, 5, and 11 found high-ability Asian students outperformed high-ability U.S. students in mathematics but not in reading. (DB)

Presented are findings from a comparative study involving five developing nations and a longitudinal study of these nations concerning the educational transition between lower and upper secondary school. Results of these studies are discussed with reference to the educational policies of the countries involved in the study. (Author/CW)

This research review identifies similarities in skill acquisition across the domains of reading and math disabilities, specifically addressing the sequence of skill development and the theoretical question of whether the disabilities reflect delays or deficits in cognitive development. The paper discusses the nature of differences between learners…

Examined students' rates of academic growth (slopes of achievement). Using standard Curriculum-Based Measurement procedures in reading, spelling, and mathematics, students in Year 1 (n=546) were measured weekly; students in Year 2 (n=2,511) were measured at least monthly. Results provided corroborating data across years and interesting patterns…

Whether random or nonrandom assignment to classes provides achievement benefits for students in grades 1 through 3 was studied with students, 499 randomly assigned and 658 not randomly assigned, from the Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR) study. Results favor random assignment by grade 3 as measured by Stanford Achievement Test and Basic…

Describes a study performed to assess the impact of homework collection in college intermediate algebra courses. Two groups of students (n=108) were evaluated: one group did not turn in homework assignments and one did. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the number of A's earned, with the latter group performing…

Presents a brief history on the evolution of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) standards and reform efforts in mathematics education. Discusses the advantages of having standards. Mentions some research results stating dramatic increases in reading and mathematics achievement for schools with the highest implementation of…

An evaluation of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' summer-school program to help raise low-performing students' mathematics achievement showed that students received little benefit. Disappointing results arose from use of teacher-centered instructional techniques. Students had little opportunity for informal thinking, exploration,…

Investigated the relationship between measures of mathematics teacher skill and student achievement in 795 California high schools. Results support the hypothesis that there is a shortage of qualified mathematics teachers in California, and that this shortage is associated with low student scores. (SLD)

Examines the effects of classwide peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) in mathematics incorporating the use of curriculum-based measurement on acquisition and transfer learning of three types of students (average-achieving student, low-achieving students, and students with a learning disability). Analysis of variance indicates superior…