In response to Alberta's Educational Quality Indicators initiative, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools implemented outcome-based mathematics instruction in 30 classrooms, grades 2-10. Collaborative planning and implementation of outcome-based education principles led to improvements in student achievement, attitudes, and responsibility. (SV)

Describes a study that investigated the influence of small-group work on confidence level and achievement of adults in mathematics, specifically in algebra. Students who participated in the experimental (small-group) method of instruction experienced significantly greater increase in confidence level, and higher completion rate, than students who…

The precipitous decline of U.S. students' scores on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) from 4th to 12th grade, compared with other nations, may be attributed to curriculum differences, not demography. The U.S. middle-school curriculum lacks focus and rigor and is highly repetitive. (MLH)

Whether a success-promoting assessment schema (SPAS) can be designed to have a positive impact on the mathematics learning of failure-experienced students was studied with 200 noncollege-bound students in Israel. Results suggest that the SPAS in conjunction with suitable curricular materials could support student learning by changing student…

Interactions and performances of 10 high-achieving third- and fourth-grade students on complex mathematics tasks were studied as a function of paring with other high-achieving (homogeneous) or low-achieving (heterogeneous pairing) students. Homogeneous dyads operate more collaboratively, generate more cognitive conflict, and create better quality…

Surveys grade 8 mathematics, special education, and proficiency intervention teachers in 35 middle schools to address the question of whether software use has made any difference on students' passing of the mathematics portion of the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test. (Contains 22 references.) (ASK)

Analyzes data on eighth-grade mathematics and science achievement from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) , with an emphasis on the international standing of the United States. Examines overall U.S. student achievement, the achievement of U.S. subpopulations, and the instructional practices of U.S. teachers. (Author/SLD)

Investigates the relationship between school size and science and mathematics achievement in Dutch, Swedish, and American secondary education. The analysis revealed little evidence of any school-size effects on achievement in any of the three countries, possibly because school size and curriculum comprehensiveness are not strongly related in these…

Middle school students (n=86) with learning disabilities or emotional disturbance who participated in Cooperative Homework Teams achieved a higher rate of homework completion and higher percentage correct on homework than controls but did not perform better in mathematics achievement. Significant effects were found for grade level but not for type…

The Merit Workshop Calculus Program, based on Treisman-style workshop calculus, was intended to address the problems of low success rates of students from underrepresented populations and the failure to retain these students in mathematics- and science-based majors. Concludes that the program had a positive impact for both genders and several…

Causal modeling techniques applied to data from 791 college students showed that parental encouragement in math and science significantly influenced achievement, which in turn influenced self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Results supported the role of family context in Lent et al.'s social cognitive career choice model. (Contains 40…

Considers interrelationships among school climate, teacher empowerment, and school effectiveness, based on measures of mathematics and reading achievement in 86 New Jersey middle schools. Results show that teacher empowerment is pivotal to school effectiveness. A theoretical model explains linkages between organizational characteristics and…

Nine adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and nine age- and IQ-matched adults with PWS completed standardized tests of long-term and short-term memory, visual and auditory processing, and reading and mathematics achievement. Contrary to previous findings, long-term memory in PWS subjects was strong relative to IQ and there was no evidence that…

Measures Year 6 children from the United Kingdom for self esteem (Lawseq questionnaire) and attainment in mathematics (Mathematics 11) and reading (Primary Reading Test Level 2). Examines gender differences in attainment. Discusses the findings in relation to the debate concerning the low performance of boys. (CMK)

Suggests that when students improve their ability to code-switch from the local dialect (African American English) to Standard English, they improved their academic achievement, particularly in science and math. Indicates that future teachers need to be exposed to many different cultures and dialects in terms of teacher preparation. (SG)