Briefly summarized are results from a report on mathematics assessments in 32 states. The general trend in mathematics achievement is upward, since the mid-1970's in some states and the early 1980's in others. Patterns are noted for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers; fractions; decimals; numeration; geometry;…

This digest highlights one tool that teachers use--standardized tests--from the parent's viewpoint. The discussion covers basic features of testing and suggests questions that a parent might ask his or her child's teacher concerning such tests. Standardized tests are usually objective tests sold by commercial publishers and designed to provide a…