From some simple and schematic assumptions about information processing, a stochastic differential equation is derived for the motion of a student through a computer-assisted elementary mathematics curriculum. The mathematics strands curriculum of the Institute for Mathematical Studies in the Social Sciences is used to test: (1) the theory and (2) its predictive validity on data obtained from deaf children working on individualized instruction programs at computer terminals. The Stanford Achievement Test was used as a criterion measure. Regression analysis and standard error of prediction indicated that the predictive power of the theory was quite good, even with several different sets of parameter conditions. (WH)