When it comes to improving student achievement in mathematics, a core belief is that curriculum materials are of the utmost importance. However, the link between a curriculum program and student learning is affected by the ways in which teachers use resources to design learning experiences. In the first half of this commentary, I raise questions…

This "Brief Report" summarizes results from a study that investigated joint effects of two innovations adopted at a high school in an affluent suburban community in the northeast United States: 4 x 4 block scheduling and the "Standards"-based curriculum, the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP).

Reports on the results of the reform curriculum of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project's elementary curriculum, Everyday Mathematics, for third-grade students. Results included the fact that only 2% of UCSMP students failed to meet state goals. UCSMP students also scored well in all mathematical areas including number skills and…

Article discusses two questions--what is the research base for the recommendations made by the NCTM Standards for School Mathematics Committee and what is the agenda for new research implied by the standards. (PK)

Research on curricular choices has attracted widespread attention and merits increased investment by the research community. Multiple studies, publications, conferences, and a multicampus center (The Show-Me Project, n.d.) speak to the need to discuss what is taught in the classrooms and to whom, how, and when. Since the 1990s, with the creation…

Begins with an overview of the constructivist perspective and the pedagogical theory development upon which a constructivist teaching experiment with 20 prospective elementary teachers was based. Derives a theoretical framework for mathematics pedagogy with a focus on decisions about content and mathematical tasks. (49 references) (Author/DDD)

Reports a case study set in the context of a "function" curriculum approach to introductory algebra. The expectation that the teacher's actions would reflect the philosophy implied in the curriculum was not supported. The teacher gave priority to curriculum content coverage, emphasized methods and procedures, and adopted teacher-focused…

Discussed are the limitations of teaching general problem-solving strategies and techniques and their relationship to transfer of learning. The lack of evidence for effective teaching strategies, curriculum reform ramifications, and alternative teaching techniques are considered. (KR)

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…

Reports results of a study on instructional practices that relate to student achievement in high school classrooms. Uses a standards-based curriculum called Core-Plus and identifies teachers' background characteristics, behavior, and concerns associated with growth in student achievement. Indicates the importance of professional development…

Reports on efforts to produce a multicultural mathematics curriculum for grades K-6 that was socially transformative. Describes the perplexity of issues related to the definition of multicultural and mathematics curricula for social transformation, the complexities of group deliberation, and the demands involved in the teacher-research process.…

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)

Remarks adapted from the Presidential Address at the 74th Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in April 1996 charge educators with believing that every student can learn mathematics, every teacher must have adequate support and professional development opportunities, and every parent must have a vested interest in…

This article focuses on the relationship between research and development and the types of justifications given for reform activities. It cautions that research is not to persuade others that an innovation works but rather to examine an innovation critically. (AIM)

Compares the mathematics achievement of 8th graders in Missouri adopting standards-based middle grades mathematics curriculum materials (MATH Thematics or Connected Mathematics Project). Uses the mathematics portion of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) to measure achievement. Discusses differences in achievement between students using…