A historical study of three school administrative services--school health, psychology, and curriculum--in 30 California school districts during 1930-1970 used an institutional environment approach to find that balance among institutions and agencies governing school systems, not organizational size, led to greater diffusion and retention of the…

Twelve Colorado school districts changed to a four-day week during the 1980-81 school year. This article discusses the advantages of the move and offers some cautions. (Author/WD)

A sequence of seven graphing activities is suggested for developing both prenumeration and numeration concepts and skills. (MP)

The need for development of a curriculum that provides vertical links between earlier and later work and horizontal links with other topics in mathematics and other subjects is promoted. Much of the material describes explorations of circles and cones suitable for many levels. (MP)

Explains and demonstrates time-series statistical analyses with a case example. Argues graphs and nonparometrical statistical analyses are not valid methods for evaluating behavior change due to counseling. Suggests the use of time-series statistical analyses enables counselors to employ a reliable method of measuring change in counseling…

Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress related to student ability to use information from graphs and charts is discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Describes an experimental study in which two sections of calculus were taught using the same materials, except one section was enhanced with the computer algebra system Mathematica. Results indicated that the students in the technology group had advantages to understanding certain key topics in calculus such as limits, derivatives, and curve…

Reports on the case study of a high school student using a computer-based tool called the Contour Analyzer to create graphs of height versus distance and slope versus distance for a flat board positioned with different slants and orientations. Focuses on visually recognizing the mathematical behavior of the slope versus distance function which…

Discusses the process of learning to construct and interpret representations from a social practice perspective. If students need to construct tables and graphs to complete a project report in mathematics or science, they can learn to consider whether these forms are effective at communicating important information. If students merely complete…

Describes an algebra course organized around the concept of function and based on intensive use of technology. Includes an explanation of the assessment sequence used to explore students' use of familiar representations and procedures to reason logically and to solve and communicate about unfamiliar tasks. (DDR)

Investigates students' conceptions and misconceptions relating to the construction of graphs. Qualitative analysis of students' responses identified three main alternative conceptions. Quantitative analyses of the data indicated that overall students did not enter the learning situation as a tabula rasa. Discusses the theoretical and practical…

Describes an activity which allows students with a range of abilities to become involved in data analysis and informal inference while working in self-selected small group environments. Enables students to explore their own resources for asking questions. (DDR)

Describes an activity in which students use data analysis and mathematical modeling to obtain insight into a geometrical question. Explores a simple case of the isoperimetric inequalities. (KHR)

Uses SimCalc MathWorlds, which is downloaded from the World Wide Web, to engage students in algebraic problem-solving activities. Uses software to animate characters by creating graphs of position and velocity. (YDS)

Demonstrated in this article are some of the capabilities of a spreadsheet program using data obtained in gas law experiments and a computer interface system. The ability to organize and analyze data which a computer can provide for the student is emphasized. (KR)