An outline of some of the essential differences, both in content and methods, between statistics and core mathematics is provided, along with subsequent discussion of the practical implications that these differences portend for a mathematics department at a liberal arts college. (JJK)

Examines the proof practices and constructs of a group of students educated with a "post-Cockcroft" mathematics curriculum. Finds that although students are actively involved in developing mathematical ideas, it is within a restricted mode in which ideas of inquiry have become largely instrumentalized. Contains 17 references. (Author/ASK)

Provides a perspective of statistics education in Singapore by presenting information on curriculum. Discusses some results from projects to show what the students are able to do with statistical information. (Author/ASK)

Highlights issues and ideas in the reform of school mathematics curricula with reference to Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Interprets the ideas set out in documents related to the Target Oriented Curriculum (TOC) initiative in Hong Kong. Discusses factors that hinder the implementation of the TOC. (DSK)

Discusses controversies in the reform efforts in mathematics education and the importance of maintaining integrity amidst political controversy and attacks. Emphasizes the place of integrity in mathematics education. (ASK)

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…

In the early 1990s, the National Science Foundation funded development of 13 comprehensive curriculum programs based on rigorous standards. Teachers, administrators, and parents should become informed about these curricula's unique characteristics and support structures to help schools adopt them. Sidebars list NSF programs and national…

Describes the results of part of a study into mathematical problem solving in secondary schools. Concludes that positive results were achieved, in part, as a consequence of the time that was spent in problem-solving lessons which allowed students to practice reading and working with word problems and working on basic material, particularly…

Features a brief description of fractals and their characteristics, some example activities, and an argument for including fractals in the mathematics curriculum. (ASK)

Comments on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, examining the NCTM's intent when it decided to prepare the document; the anticipated use of the standards by teachers, schools, and states to change how mathematics is organized and taught; and the current process of…

Discusses mathematics education in a cultural context. Proposes guidelines for mathematics education that embraces cultural differences. (MKR)

Describes the recent evolution of Portuguese basic education in which the concept of competence and the process of curriculum development became major aspects of an innovative movement at a national level. Describes the context and explores the concept of competence, and presents a formulation for the characteristics of mathematical competence for…

Develops and tests a function-based approach to algebra called the Visual Mathematics curriculum in grades 7-9. Presents a theoretical framework for a systemic investigation of the structures of algebra word problems and their relationship to function-based solutions. Suggests new insights into categorizing word problems. (Contains 19 references.)…

Describes two high school teachers' conceptions of the cooperation and exploration components of a reform-oriented mathematics curriculum. Indicates that each teacher attributed difficulties with students' cooperative work to the amount of structure and direction offered by the problems. (Contains 38 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses the connection between mathematics and the computer; mathematics curriculum; mathematics instruction, including teachers learning to use computers; and the impact of the computer on learning mathematics. (LRW)