This booklet presents the high school assessment program for algebra by listing Maryland's Core Learning Goals. The match of content indicators and the skills for successful elaborations in thinking, communication, and technology regarding algebra are discussed. (ASK)

This paper discusses learning outcomes resulting from three national curricular reform efforts in mathematics. Focus is placed on the College Board's Equity 2000 program which operates on the principle that all students are given the opportunity to demonstrate high levels of academic achievement in mathematics. Information is provided on the…

This study examined the relative efficacy of the Anchorage (Alaska) Pre-Algebra Test and the State of Alaska Benchmark in 2 Math examination as tools used in the process of recommending grade 6 students for grade 7 Pre-Algebra placement. The consequential validity of the tests is explored in the context of class placements and grades earned. The…

Many mathematics educators have lost sight of the critical importance of the mathematical understanding which underlies procedural competence, in part because we do not have a language to refer to this kind of understanding. The modal way of categorizing mathematical knowledge--conceptual and procedural knowledge--is limited in that: (a) it is…

The PUMP Algebra Project was a systemic effort in a mid-size urban city focusing on professional development of middle school mathematics teachers, which had a long-term goal of enabling more minority students to be algebra-ready by the end of 8th grade. The development of teacher leaders was not a targeted focus of the Project; it was a major…

This book provides a resource for mathematics teachers to understanding the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) standards and implementing these standards in their teaching. Five standards are overviewed: (1) number and operation; (2) algebra; (3) geometry; (4) measurement; and (5) data analysis and probability. Lesson plans are…

This paper argues that using Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) to teach 12- to 18-year-old students is going to change teaching methods, the content of what has been taught, and exams. Traditional exam questions are analyzed and categorized according to their usefulness in a CAS environment. The goal is to give teachers new perspectives with which to…

This paper presents the results from a paper-and-pencil instrument designed to elicit students' thinking about the rate of change in particular situations. A scoring rubric was designed to classify students' solution strategies to algebra problems. The purpose of the study was to validate the results in different ways. First, the results from this…

This paper discusses a pedagogical technique called the discovery approach in teaching remedial and college algebra. Examples of how to introduce and enhance some algebra topics using this approach in mathematics classrooms are illustrated. It is argued that student performance would improve if more topics were presented in a discovery fashion.…

Based on the experiences as a researcher and teacher in lower-track, high school Algebra One classrooms, this book illuminates the complex dynamics of the algebra classroom and explores how to really know students, how to find engaging material, and how to inspire meaningful classroom conversations. A teacher's evolving understandings of his…

This paper describes a classroom, instructor-led activity designed to show how graphic calculators can be used to explore coordinate geometry. The activity involves digitizing an image of a hand and transforming the image through geometrical transformations. Teaching notes and calculator instructions are included as are blackline masters. Also…

The purpose of this study is to compare the results achieved when a computer-managed learning program is used in high school mathematics classes with the results achieved when traditional teaching strategies are utilized. The control groups for Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, and Geometry received traditional classroom instruction. The intervention groups…

Middle school algebra classes were observed to examine the multiple variables interacting in learning of algebra. Middle school algebra classes were especially informative because of the significant impact of the students' cognitive development transitions from concrete to formal operations. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1989)…

This report presents mathematics benchmarks organized into instructional sequences by topic. Each sequence is based upon an analysis of the order of content as it appears among a set of highly rated state standards. The report is intended to inform and guide state or district curriculum directors or others who, starting from content that is placed…

Discussed are techniques of presentation and solution of the Classical Cake Problem. A frosted cake with a square base is to be cut into n pieces with the volume of cake and frosting the same for each piece. Needed are minimal geometric concepts and the formula for the volume of a prism. (JP)