Described is the work of the Low Attainers Mathematics Project which has produced the report "Better Mathematics." The methodology for the report is described. Some remarks for bringing about large scale changes in teaching methods through research are included. (Author/MVL)

Deals with the issue of visualization as it is related to the learning of mathematics in multicultural classrooms. Discusses the importance and the role of visualization in multicultural classrooms. (YP)

Data from the Second International Mathematics Study indicated that the retention rates of countries accounted for some achievement differences. However, achievement differences for the more able students across countries were not related to the rate at which countries retained students. Instead, variables such as opportunity to learn were needed.…

Describes study of 60 high school students that examined the relationship between mathematics performance, students' attitudes toward computers and calculators, and whether the relationship is similar for males and females. Results indicate that both male and female students with more positive attitudes toward computers and calculators perform…

This third article on National Assessment results discusses general achievement trends and changes in performance over time. Performance scales, national trends, current achievement, learning concepts and skills, problem solving, minorities, and gender are considered. (MNS)

Presents a procedure for analyzing statistical data involving distributions that is more informative about causal and other relationships. Finds test scores were affected positively by increased time on task, teachers with higher educational attainment, and better school facilities. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the mathematical knowledge, strategies, and representations of 16 socially and ethnically diverse preschool children. Finds that the children bring a wide range of competencies that generally are more advanced than the curriculum content presented at that level. (CFR)

Longitudinal study of mathematics achievement and gender of (n=60) students progressing from 6th to 12th grade found consistent gender differences in stereotyping mathematics as a male domain; identified no difference in spatial, verbal, or mathematics skills; and found positive correlation between achievement and confidence. (17 references)…

Reports on a study of the role of pupil age in scholastic performance among 4,123 Maltese primary-age students. Finds a strong and consistent age effect in Maltese, English, and mathematics achievement in three grade levels. Also finds that girls consistently outperformed boys in the three subjects. (CFR)

Basics skills achievement of students of 48 elementary school teachers who received in-service training in the Program for Effective Teaching was compared longitudinally to the achievement of students of 34 teachers who had not received such training. No differences in achievement between the groups of students were found. (BB)

Reports a longitudinal study of the link between home variables (mainly maternal support), cognitive prerequisites of preschoolers, and later school achievement (spelling, reading, and arithmetic). Maternal support significantly affected competencies and academic achievement. Cognitive competencies predicted later academic achievement; achievement…

Describes a project that addresses the problem of the failure rate of African-American and Hispanic students in calculus. Discusses a solution that offers minority students a combination of workshops with intensified sections of the calculus course that challenge the students. (MDH)

Presents an experiment to examine the relative effects of cooperative groups versus independent practice in helping students encode problem-solving strategies into their long-term memory. Four classes of 126 prealgebra students were randomly assigned to employ the 2 methodologies. Students who practiced in cooperative groups demonstrated greater…

Twenty-five elementary students with learning disabilities and mild mental disabilities were assessed in math and spelling before and after summer vacation using grade-level curriculum-based measurement materials. Students appeared to have regressed when raw scores were analyzed, but appeared not to have regressed when z-scores were analyzed.…

Reports a study to explore student's computational performance on computer-administered testing situations while at the computer. Students from grades 3-6 (n=100) were randomly assigned to treatment order, computer assessment first or paper/pencil assessment first. Significant differences occurred in three areas: completion time, number of mental…