Considers implications of the findings of the study by E. Fennema and others that boys in the primary grades use different mathematics problem-solving strategies than girls and suggests that equitable mathematics instruction may require specific attention to gender differences and underachieving groups. (SLD)

Determines the effects of the National Society of Hispanic Masters of Business Administration's (NSHMBA) Summer Enrichment Program on Hispanic students' PSAT scores and general achievement in high school mathematics. (Author/CCM)

Despite Commissioner Pascal Forgione's claims (in the June 1998 "Kappan"), the final-year Third International Mathematics and Science Study obviates comparison of achievement across nations. Comparers are engaging in a political exercise. There are problems with age, cultural, and enrollment-rate differences; definition of the U.S.…

Discusses the goal of eliminating long-standing disparities in mathematics achievement between girls and boys, between white students and students of color, and the economically disadvantaged and advantaged. Explains how everyday mathematics classrooms use cooperative groups and inquiry-based learning in order to help all students. (ASK)

Data from the 1990 National Assessment of Educational Progress were used to study the number of Carnegie units earned by students in mathematics. Overall, gender and ethnic differences in total mathematics courses were small but ethnic differences relative to the type of course were large. Gender differences are discussed in light of college…

Describes a model for addressing prerequisite mathematics needs. A small set of prerequisite skills for the content course is identified and assessed, and students needing extra help are assisted. Targeted students include those with only marginal deficits rather than those needing full course remediation. Presents results from empirical testing…

Disturbed at students' low math scores on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills, an elementary school principal in Port Lavaca, Texas bolstered teachers' math instruction confidence and developed a three-point improvement plan. Teachers stressed objectives to be tested, used manipulatives, taught problem-solving strategies, and gained more time…

Describes and analyzes the design and outcomes of the Mathematics and Science Literacy Study of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in the Netherlands, focusing on students in the final year of secondary school. In comparison with students from other countries, final-year secondary students in the Netherlands seem to be…

Presque Isle (Maine) High School has offered a section of all-girls algebra for seven years. The intent was to narrow the gap between 11th-grade boys' and girls' math achievement scores and create a more comfortable learning atmosphere for girls. The achievement score gap has decreased from 72 to 16 points. (MLH)

Determinants of young children's mathematics skills (home environment, socioeconomic status, and maternal cognitive test scores) were statistically analyzed. Analysis of data from subsamples of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth indicated that all three factors, but particularly home environment, had significant effects on young childrens'…

Data from the High School and Beyond survey for 1,076 students who took algebra before high school and 5,818 who took algebra in high school demonstrated that early access to algebra had an effect beyond increased knowledge, and that it might socialize a student into taking more mathematics. (SLD)

Describes a longitudinal study undertaken by the Everyday Mathematics (EM) program and presents achievement-test data results. Compares the performances of EM students to Japanese, Chinese, and traditionally taught U.S. children. (ASK)

Studied the characteristics of effective high schools in rural Western Australia by investigating factors influencing science and mathematics achievement. Results for at least 1,024 students in each of 3 years show the most variability in achievement at the classroom and student levels, and show that teacher effects are substantial. (SLD)

A study of 45,206 high school seniors investigated their participation and performance in mathematics subjects taken to complete the secondary education qualification in Victoria, Australia. Gender differences varied with the particular assessment administered. There was a significant regional effect where rural students, particularly males,…

Compares standards in primary school mathematics in England and Cyprus, drawing upon national curricula, textbook content, and international comparisons of attainment. Finds that "expected" and planned standards were higher in Cyprus than England but were not associated with higher student achievement. Explores four possible…