Curriculum materials are among the most pervasive and powerful influences on school mathematics. In many mathematics classes, student assignments, the questions the teacher asks, the ways students are grouped, the forms of assessment, and much more originate in curriculum materials. At the same time, teachers have considerable latitude in how they…

Described is a project, "Mathematics at Work," being produced by the Australian Academy of Science to meet the needs of students staying in school to years 11 and 12 and requiring a "relevant" mathematics curriculum. Materials have been produced and are being used in a trial program. Additional materials are in preparation.…

How laser videodisc technology can be used to improve mathematics instruction is described, with note of the development of a videodisc curriculum on mastering fractions. Relevant research is reviewed, as well as how teachers can use the technology. The instructional design is described, and field-testing and revision reported. (MNS)

This study evaluated the efficacy of a preschool mathematics program based on a comprehensive model of developing research-based software and print curricula. Building Blocks, funded by the National Science Foundation, is a curriculum development project focused on creating research-based, technology-enhanced mathematics materials for pre-K…

This third volume of a review prepared for the Cockcroft Committee of Inquiry into the Teaching of Mathematics in Schools in Great Britain concerns research with relevance to the mathematics curriculum. The role of history is discussed briefly in the introduction, and has an impact throughout the report. The 13 chapters consider: (1) introduction,…

This paper reviews the presentation of problem solving and process aspects of mathematics in curriculum documents from Australia, UK, USA and Singapore. The place of problem solving in the documents is reviewed and contrasted, and illustrative problems from teachers' support materials are used to demonstrate how problem solving is now more often…

Described is The Catalyst Conference convened by the Research Advisory Committee of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) to stimulate research on the effects of the NCTM "Standards for Curriculum and Evaluation" as a guide for change in mathematics education. Six focus areas were identified. (MDH)

This article examines the effects of a secondary school mathematics curriculum. This curriculum has been developed by the Dutch National Institute for Curriculum Development (SLO). There are differences in how this curriculum is implemented in the classroom. There are striking differences in the learning results at pupil, class and school levels.…

This study assessed the effectiveness of the remedial/developmental mathematics program developed at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Data was gathered from a random sample of 604 students who participated in the program for at least part of the three-year period 1981-84 and for whom both pretest and posttest scores were available in at least one…

Analyzes information from teacher logs and interviews to describe what is taught in elementary school mathematics classes and to identify instructional weaknesses. Makes recommendations for curriculum reform. (FMW)

This report is essentially a "map" of the available reports prepared to evaluate the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP) over a nine-year period. These evaluations were conducted during the development and pilot testing of CSMP by an evaluation staff independent of the program developers and guided by an external evaluation…

In 1972, the Ministry of Education in the Republic of China gave the Taiwan Provincial Institute for Elementary School Teachers Inservice Education primary responsibility for research and development (R&D) for all elementary school curricula. The project in science and mathematics was carried out in two phases. Phase I, R&D, has five…

This article gives a brief account of secondary school mathematics curriculum development in China. Some experimental teaching materials and teaching methods are introduced. One of the most influential projects is described in detail. (Author/PK)

Tracing the history of algebra within the U.S. secondary curriculum requires at the same time a review of the various reform movements relevant to secondary education, an acknowledgement of the sociological, political, and psychological perspectives driving these reforms, and most importantly, the perceived role of mathematics in the education of…

The Mathematics Curriculum and Teaching Program (MCTP) is a joint initiative of the Curriculum Development Centre and the Directors of Curriculum of the States and Territories of Australia. The program seeks to improve the teaching of mathematics in grades K-10. This manual contains guidelines for people who have a responsibility for the…