Quantitative reasoning takes on different meanings based on experience and background. Across the curriculum students have various needs for their quantitative reasoning experience. As a result, at our university students have a range of choices that more closely fit their future needs. Seven different departments across campus offer quantitative…

According to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014, literacy refers to "an individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English, compute, and solve problems [emphasis added], at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual, and in society" (Title 2, §203). Yet, according to…

Teacher identity provides useful insights into the learning and practices of teachers. The complexity of identity, however, makes it difficult to use in empirical research. An analytical framework with two components is presented. This analytical framework comprises a framework for identity as an embedder-of-numeracy, which clearly defines a…

Children's development of foundational mathematics concepts begins long before they enter the kindergarten classroom. Early experiences with color, shape, and pattern recognition as well as the ability to seriate sizes all contribute to a strong beginning to young children's mathematical conceptual development. This article presents how a…

The overarching theme of this book can be simply stated: Building on a foundation of biologically based abilities, children construct number via sensorimotor and mental activity. In this chapter, we return to this theme, and we connect it to three additional themes that emerge across chapters: comparing competing models for conceptual change;…

In order to solve word problems, students need to be able not just to read the words but comprehend what they mean. Paul Swan discusses three tiers of vocabulary that need to be included in the pedagogy of mathematics lessons and strategies for classroom practice.

Through play and physical activities (PAs), children have many opportunities to develop gross motor skills that require the use of large muscles for movement and control. Young children use gross motor skills as they engage in daily tasks such as sitting upright, maintaining control and balance while seated, walking down the hallway, moving…

During the preschool years children develop many new skills, including gross motor abilities, which serve as a foundation for school readiness skills in areas such as language, socialization and cognition. Like other domains, motor skill development does not happen without practice opportunities. That is, it requires multiple opportunities whereby…

Improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education (STEM) is an international imperative as countries work to improve life and prospects for their people. Countries recognize that to improve economic prosperity and national security, their citizens should be prepared to work in a global society that is characterized by digital,…

This executive summary accompanies the report, "Multiplying Skills, Adding Value. Numeracy and Mathematics for Scotland's Learners: A Thematic Inspection." The report reviews current practice in numeracy and mathematics. It contains advice and guidance around what is working well, as well as important areas for discussion and further…

There is a strong belief by most governments, enterprises and higher education providers that competence in the academic fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is not developing as quickly as required in spite of the importance for innovation, productivity, prosperity and international standing. This belief is often…

In recent years, mathematical and quantitative arguments have become prominent in the media as well as in politics, business, and science conversations. This has led to multiple calls for mathematics to be more accessible and meaningful to a wider range of the population (AMATYC, 2006; Cerrito, 1996; Cheney, 1989; Cohen, 1982; College Board, 1983;…

Quantitative literacy is an important proficiency that pertains to "word problems" from science, history, and other fields. Unfortunately, teaching how to solve such problems often is relegated to math courses alone. This article examines how quantitative literacy also involves concepts and skills from English composition and the substantive…

The K-5 school years are crucial, setting the framework for all subjects as well as critical thinking skills. The single most important component in a classroom is the teacher. However, in a formative timeframe for elementary-school aged children, the number of K-5 teachers that are educated with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math…

This article argues that certain philosophically devised quality control parameters should guide approaches to interdisciplinary education. We sketch the kind of reflections we think are necessary in order to produce epistemologically responsible curricula. We suggest that the two overarching epistemic dimensions of levels of analysis and basic…