The use of the computer, and specifically the mathematics software package Maple, has played a central role in the authors' abstract algebra course because it provides their students with a way to see realistic examples of the topics they discuss without having to struggle with extensive computations. However, Maple does not provide the computer…

This paper addresses the dialectical relation between theoretical thinking and technique, as they co-emerge in a combined computer algebra (CAS) and paper-and-pencil environment. The theoretical framework in this ongoing study consists of the instrumental approach to tool use and an adaptation of Chevallard's anthropological theory. The main aim…

The "Connected Mathematics Project" is a problem-centered mathematics curriculum designed to help students in grades 6 to 8 develop mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skills. It contains eight student units for each grade level and covers five content strands: number and operations, geometry, measurement, data analysis and…

I Can Learn Algebra (ICL) is a standards-based math curriculum for use in grades 7 through 10 that was developed by New Orleans-based JRL Enterprises. ICL provides self-paced, interactive, computerized lessons and frequent assessments to track student progress. This Brief WWC Study Report reviews a study of the effects of ICL students' achievement…

This submission contains the Proceedings of the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group (CMESG), held at the University of New Brunswick in Fredricton, New Brunswick. The CMESG is a group of mathematicians and mathematics educators who meet annually to discuss mathematics education issues at all levels of learning.…

This paper reports on a 3-year, NSF-funded research and development project called ACED: Adaptive Content with Evidence-based Diagnosis. The purpose of the project was to design, develop, and evaluate an assessment for learning (AfL) system for diverse students, using Algebra I content related to geometric sequences (i.e., successive numbers…

While developing strategies to meet the needs of underprepared students, public colleges and universities across the nation are being faced with directives, often stemming from public viewpoint, state legislatures, and/or state governing bodies of higher education systems, to modify existing university programs in an effort to decrease the cost of…

This paper examines students' self-motivation in mathematics learning between girls and boys using secondary analysis of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) conducted in 2003 by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) involving eighth graders. Components of self-motivation include…

When California adopted its new mathematics standards at the turn of this century, state leaders raised the expectations for its K-12 students, including encouraging them to take Algebra I in 8th grade. This brief looks at how California's high school students are meeting the state's high academic standards in math. It focuses on access to and…

Many districts and schools across the U. S. have begun to develop and administer assessments to complement state testing systems and provide additional information to monitor curriculum, instruction and schools. In advance of this trend, the Jackson Public Schools (JPS) district has had a district benchmark testing system in place for many years.…

The Maui Hawaii Educational consortium (the Maui School District and Maui Community College) sought scientifically based evidence for the effectiveness of the "Cognitive Tutor" ("CT") Algebra I Curriculum to inform adoption decisions. Decision makers were particularly interested in whether the use of the "CT" program…

This paper describes a content upgrading course on Secondary School Algebra which was planned and conducted for in-service mathematics teachers who are trained to teach mathematics at lower secondary level (ages 13 to 14). In order to be an effective mathematics teacher, one needs to know a great deal of mathematical knowledge on top of good…

Cell phone coverage areas arouse students' curiosity in a lesson that engages students with area as a measure that relates to, but is different from, linear measure. Each distinct set of activities (stations) blends concepts and skills to align with and transcend state standards. In reflecting on the lesson planning and implementation, we…

The primary purpose of this study was to examine significant differences, if any, in student achievement in the area of math and science of students taught by traditionally certified teachers and alternatively certified teachers. This study examined alternatively certified teachers, as identified from through the Georgia TAPP (Teacher Alternative…

This general achievement trends profile includes information that the Center on Education Policy (CEP) and the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) obtained from states from fall 2008 through April 2009. Included herein are: (1) Bullet points summarizing key findings about achievement trends in that state at three performance…