Although many studies have examined the alignment of state standards with large-scale assessment and instruction, fewer have attended to alignment concerning alternate assessments for students with significant disabilities. This study was designed to (1) compare expectations in one state's alternate assessment (AA) with curricular priorities…

The aim of this series of four articles is to look critically, and in some detail, at the primary strategy approach to written calculation, as set out on pages 5 to 16 of the "Guidance paper" "Calculation." The underlying principle of that approach is that children should use mental methods whenever they are appropriate, whereas for calculations…

Why is it that some schools are more successful that others in improving achievement in literacy and numeracy for those pupils who have barriers to their learning? What is it that makes the difference for the lowest achieving 20% of pupils? Her Majesty's Inspectors visited a number of schools that were making a significant difference for…

To build cognitive foundation for number, twenty-six low-performing, low-SES first graders did mathematical physical-knowledge activities, such as "bowling," during the first half of the year. As their arithmetic readiness developed, they tried more word problems and games. At the end of the year, these children did better in mental arithmetic and…

This article shows that the recognition of the dualities in equality (operator-equivalent) of the minus sign (unary-binary) and the zero (nullity-totality) during the transitional process from arithmetic to algebra by 12-13 year-old students constitutes a possible way to achieve the extension of the natural number domain to the integers. (Contains…

The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) helps teachers by offering a broad assortment of services to enable them to quickly locate educational resources. This theme issue of the serial "ENC Focus" is designed to give educators information on curriculum resources available for teaching math and science in…

Presents a problem of triangular tiles that involves counting and probability. Includes instructor guiding questions. (KHR)

Two experiments compared 6-month-olds' numerosity discrimination performance on both large numbers and small numbers with both total filled area and total contour length controlled. Results showed that infants succeeded in discriminating 4 from 8 elements, but failed to discriminate 2 from 4 elements, providing evidence for the existence of two…

Argues that adults' relationship with mathematics has three components: cognitive, affective, and social. Focuses on the affective and social components and suggests that the differences between informal mathematics and formal school mathematics lead to the former not being recognized as mathematics. Believes this situation should be analyzed from…

Describes how students can compute and estimate, mentally and rapidly, by using appropriate number relationships. (YDS)

Presents an overview of the 6-8 Standards and their rationale. Demonstrates the need for a cohesive mathematics curriculum. (YDS)

Discusses zeroes at the ends of decimal fractions representing measurements or real-world applications of numbers including precision, variance, and classroom applications. (YDS)

Presents activities in a context that promotes connections between students' experiences and new content and provides visual and/or physical links between informal knowledge and formal math ideas. (YDS)

Explains how the British Army supports the basic skills development of soldiers even when they are stationed overseas in difficult conditions with little time to devote to studying. Describes the experience of civilian basic skills tutors overseas. (JOW)

Describes an activity in which students investigate patterns and discrete mathematics found in telephone numbers. (YDS)