The history of mental computation in the elementary school curriculum is briefly described, followed by discussion of the benefits of mental computation. How thinking skills are enhanced is then illustrated. (MNS)

This review of research on secondary school geometry is drawn from the NCTM publication, "Classroom Ideas from Research on Secondary School Mathematics." Considered are the following topics: goals, content, time, textbook use, activity-oriented instruction, teacher communication, homework, student characteristics, proof, problem solving,…

Computer science may foreshadow some near revolutions in school mathematics, concerning new ways of teaching much of the mathematics curriculum, increased emphasis on discrete mathematics, and the impact of symbolic mathematical systems. Each is discussed, with a distinction made between computer science and computer technology. (MNS)

This brief summary of a discussion paper for an international conference considers a series of key issues facing school mathematics in the 1990s. Technology, social goals, and educational concerns are addressed, with five sets of specific questions to be discussed. (MNS)

An overview is provided of the curriculum and instructional practices in general and for handicapped learners. Diagnostic teaching and other features of good instruction are reviewed. (MNS)

Three innovative features of the new Caribbean mathematics examinations are discussed: increased information on candidates' performance, breadth of consultation and concern with social needs in the development of the syllabus, and conception and implementation of the syllabus as a curriculum. Appended are examples from the syllabus and…

Questions about teaching rational numbers are discussed, dealing with when to teach the meaning of fractions and of decimals, when and how to teach computation with fractions and with decimals, and other issues. (MNS)

Division of fractions and division of decimals, both troublesome, are discussed in relation to helping students learn well and retain what they have learned. A strong conceptual base, mastery of related concepts and skills, and meaningful development are stressed. (MNS)

The effects of a teaching program in probability devised for students in grades five to seven were analyzed. Most of the notions were too difficult for fifth graders; 60-70 percent of the sixth graders and 80-90 percent of the seventh graders were able to understand and use correctly most of the concepts. (MNS)

The authors contend their study and criticism of the Benbow and Stanley results were valid. Benbow and Stanley's clarification that their conclusions pertain only to intellectually talented students and competency in mathematical reasoning ability resolves this disagreement. (DWH)

Hispanic students have disproportionally low participation and underachievement in mathematics and underrepresentation in mathematics-related careers. Research attributes this to policies, practices, and attitudes of school personnel that are incongruent with Hispanic students' values, learning styles, and curriculum needs. (MNS)

The Second International Mathematics Study conducted by the International Association for the Evalaution of Educational Achievement examined mathematics teaching and its outcomes at the 8th- and 12th-grade levels in the United States and 21 other countries. This article reports on preliminary U.S. findings and their implications. (PGD)

The potential benefits of teacher fellowships are discussed. One such Fellowship consisted of research into the teaching of low attainers in secondary schools, and resulting units on money management are briefly described. (MNS)

This editorial calls on NCTM to establish a broadly representative committee of teachers, editors from textbook publishing companies, and mathematics educators to serve as a guiding force in evaluating curricular decisions and stimulating curriculum change. (MNS)

Head Start, the largest federally funded preschool program, provides comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged children and their families so that children can enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school. Performance standards include requirements for the intensity and quality of a broad range of services for children and families.…