Students in the United States continue to struggle with fraction mastery despite the fact that understanding fractions is essential for further progress in mathematics (NAEP, 2008). This research project investigated the potential of using high-press mathematical discourse (Kazemi & Stipek, 2008) to investigate fourth graders' emerging…

What would the curriculum look like if it were developed from the perspective of measuring? Without formal tools, the Yup'ik Eskimos of Alaska used their body as a measuring device and employed ratios extensively in their daily practices. "Math in a Cultural Context" is developing curriculum materials based on Yup'ik Elders use of…

This paper describes the development and intended uses of the Early Grades Mathematics Assessment (EGMA), which measures essential early mathematical knowledge and skills that are foundational to more sophisticated mathematical abilities, predictive of later achievement, and teachable. Administering the EGMA can provide policy makers,…

How this teacher develops composition of ten with second graders was dramatically reshaped by the 2006 release of NCTM's "Curriculum Focal Points." The release of "Curriculum Focal Points"--particularly the suggestion that number sense and computation be focal areas in the second-grade mathematics curriculum--resulted in positive changes in this…

This fourth book in the Mathematics Recovery series equips teachers with detailed pedagogical knowledge and resources for teaching number to 7 to 11-year olds. Drawing on extensive programs of research, curriculum development, and teacher development, the book offers a coherent, up-to-date approach emphasizing computational fluency and the…

Technology and mathematics. manipulatives have been brought together in a new format. This joining has resulted in virtual manipulatives that are available on the Internet for students. Virtual manipulatives have been defined as computer based renditions of common mathematics manipulatives and tools. Just as a physical object can be flipped,…

"Focus in Grade 1: Teaching with Curriculum Focal Points" describes and illustrates learning paths for the mathematical concepts and skills of each grade 1 Focal Point as presented in Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics. It includes representational supports for teaching and learning that can facilitate…

This study describes a teacher preparation program in mathematics and science and explores what impact the reformed curricula and teaching methods instituted in the program have on prospective teachers' understanding of rational numbers and integers. The study pursues obtaining in-depth insights regarding prospective teachers' concept development.…

Learning about mathematics begins in the early years. Through their everyday activities, young children build important foundational knowledge and understanding of mathematics, especially when adults provide specific opportunities to learn and practice concepts and skills. Young children develop early on an informal understanding of important…

This paper presents an overview of the Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP) elementary school mathematics curriculum. The philosophy behind the program, content goals, and teaching strategies are briefly discussed. Then ways in which the program develops facility in mathematics are described in discussions of the language of arrows, in…

In the last two decades, mathematics teachers have shown a great deal of interest in how students learn mathematics through journal writing. I have also used journals in mathematics classes for the last five years. Based on the analysis of more than 1800 journal entries written by approximately 200 students in the last five years, I conclude that…

The "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" (1989) provides a vision and a framework for revising and strengthening the K-12 mathematics curriculum in North American schools and for evaluating both the mathematics curriculum and students' progress. The document not only addresses what mathematics students should…

This document is the report of a conference attended by an international group of specialists in mathematics and learning. It was convened by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Institute for Education. The general objective of the conference was to examine problems concerning mathematics reform in the primary…

Contrasts student achievement using commercial curricula (CC) for initial fraction learning with that of using the Rational Number Project (RNP) fraction curriculum. Indicates that students using RNP materials had statistically higher mean scores on concepts, order, transfer, and estimation. Interview data showed differences in the quality of…

Describes how one second-grade teacher opened the way to an understanding of mathematical concepts for her students by opening some favorite children's books. Four specific titles along with the mathematical skills they focus on and suggested teaching ideas are presented. Additional resources are included for each title. (BB)