Proportionality can be considered among the most important mathematical notions in the middle school math curriculum (grades 5 to 8). It is the capstone of elementary arithmetic, number, and measurement concepts, and at the same time one of the most elementary understandings one needs for more advanced mathematics. Understanding proportionality is…

Young children's exposure to early math concepts is important in their development, in their confidence in math skills, and in their ability to use math later in life. In 2013, the Heising-Simons Foundation embarked on an innovative path to support children's early math development. The Foundation invited several family engagement providers to…

Success in math is important to all students; it provides them with college and career options in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the middle grades, students build upon the critical skills taught in elementary school and prepare for entry into algebra, which is considered a gateway to later achievement in school…

This report presents results of the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in mathematics at grades 4 and 8. The results from the 2009 assessment presented in this report are compared to those from previous years, showing how students' performance in mathematics has progressed over time. Results for students in the nation, the 50…

This study was designed to: (1) outline briefly the meaning and importance of the family of concepts stemming from the ideas of estimation, approximation, checking, and precision; (2) survey the present place of such concepts in the curriculum; and (3) relate the teaching and learning of these concepts to the availability of the calculator as an…

This paper, one of a series considering eight disciplines, describes historical developments and current thinking in mathematics concerning what ought to be included in the elementary school mathematics curriculum. The first part of this paper is devoted to a discussion of the previous involvement of mathematicians in curriculum reform projects.…

Discussed is wavelet theory, which provides ways to rearrange data to reveal features of a physical or mathematical system which might otherwise be hidden. This theory is compared to fourier analysis and the advantages of wavelet theory are stressed. Applications of this technique are suggested. (CW)

Considers innumeracy, the unfamiliarity with mathematical concepts and methods, as being significantly pernicious to the evolution of technological societies. Proposes that the teaching of mathematics through culturally intimate, practical examples and models can profoundly contribute to the confidence necessary to encourage and sustain widespread…

A project to assist with improving test efficiency in local school districts and state agencies is described. The report describes and defines the term "item banking." Considerations in selecting, developing, or managing an item bank are discussed. Testing purposes considered suitable for item banking include student selection for special…

Reports a project that incorporated mathematical modeling into a college course. Reports evaluation of the course in terms of criteria derived from the stated aims: modeling performance, modeling framework, pedagogy assessment, and personal growth. Included are two sample problems. (YP)

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)

This monograph is the first in a series of three dealing with the curriculum and evaluation standards for grades K-4 as promulgated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The publication of the standards marks a new guidepost in the evolution of mathematics education and signals the impact of the information society upon all…

This monograph is the second in a series of three dealing with the curriculum and evaluation standards for grades K-4 as promulgated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The publication of the standards marks a new guidepost in the evolution of mathematics education and signals the impact of the information society upon all…

This monograph is the third in a series of three dealing with the curriculum and evaluation standards for grades K-4 as promulgated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The publication of the standards marks a new guidepost in the evolution of mathematics education and signals the impact of the information society upon all…

This collection of papers was solicited from a variety of educators in an effort to provide direction to teachers, curriculum developers and textbook publishers on topics in mathematics education that are consistently mentioned in recent national reports and study groups. The consensus of reports sponsored by various professional associations…