The first of two documents presented, "Better Mathematics for K-8" (Iris M. Carl), describes the underlying assumptions, purpose, origin, formation, goals, and content of the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Information on implementing the Standards is…

"In Brief" focuses on K-12 mathematics and science research and implications for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to improve student learning and achievement This brief highlights the learning gains of 240 elementary students involved in a long-term study in Madison, Wisconsin and their remarkable ability to reason with arithmetic…

Discussed are the rationale for, and the benefits accrued from, the use of graphing calculators within all aspects of the secondary mathematics curriculum. Examples are included that highlight specific features of graphing calculators. (JJK)

School mathematics is governed by a powerful tradition as regards both content and methods. In the first stage of the Alternative Course of Mathematics (ALM) project, an analysis is being made of the mathematics used in the everyday life of the community. By interviewing adults and children outside school, an analysis is also being made of the way…

Following a brief historical review of the mechanism of mathematical modeling, examples are included that associate a mathematical model with given data (changes in sea level) and that model a real-life situation (process of parallel parking). Also provided is the rationale for the curricular implementation of mathematical modeling. (JJK)