The Alaska Statewide Assessment Test is administered to fourth and eighth graders every two years in reading and mathematics. Assessment Report 7 describes how the assessment process works, analyzing results, test content, results for 1983, and statewide average scores. A question-answer format is used to discuss the following: (1) Was students'…

The Portland Public Schools 1984-85 Chapter 1 project included 4 public high schools, 48 public elementary schools, and 14 nonpublic elementary schools. About 6,500 students received supplementary support in basic skills, reading and/or math, in the 66 schools. These schools implemented three types of programs: HOSTS, Prescription Learning System…

This report discusses student achievement in the San Antonio Independent School District (Texas) as seen through the results of the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) and the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT). Taken without benefit of statewide performance the TABS scores indicate significant and troublesome declines in basic skills. The…

An index identifying factors leading to unusual response patterns by students, the modified caution index, was computed for the reading comprehension and study skills items of Booklet 5 from the 1979 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading achievement survey given to the 9-, 13- and 17-year-old samples. The analyses focused on…

The Wisconsin Program for the Renewal and Improvement of Secondary Education (WRISE) was designed in order to enable staffs of local junior and senior high schools to improve student achievement in English, mathematics, and reading. Toward this purpose, a series of filmstrips, audiocassettes, a textbook, and various learning guides were developed…

A group of 24 14-year-old students were presented with sets of algebra tasks using the Leeds Modelling System (LMS), a computer-based modeling system. Four months later, these same students were given a paper-and-pencil test which covered comparable tasks set by LMS. In addition, certain students were given detailed diagnostic interviews. A…

This paper reports the results obtained with a group of 24 14-year-old students when presented with a set of algebra tasks by the Leeds Modelling System (LMS). These same students were given a comparable paper-and-pencil test and detailed interviews some 4 months later. The latter studies uncovered several kinds of student misunderstanding that…

Problem Solving in Mathematics (PSM), a program of problem-solving lessons for grades 4-9, is designed to be integrated into the regular mathematics curriculum. Although the content objectives of the lessons are similar to those of most textbooks, PSM emphasizes problem-solving skills and a variety of instructional strategies which foster the…

A project provided teachers and other school personnel with a set of practical instruments for assessing students' generalizable mathematics skills in the secondary vocational training programs in Illinois. The major accomplishments of the project were advisory committee identification and selection; population and sample identification and…

Afterschool math hours are most often spent on homework help, tutoring, drill, and test-preparation with instructors who may not be certified teachers or mathematics educators. While such "extra math help" may be of value, it is unreasonable to expect students to enjoy learning experiences based on workbook-style exercises. The In…

Discussion of need for improved mathematics education of preservice teachers focuses on a model program, the Mathematics Fitness Project, that includes a computer-generated testing system, management system, and remediation system. Use of the system to improve mathematics skills and attitudes of college students and post high school adults is…

Many simple games can be devised to help children practice learning multiplication facts. Five games are illustrated, and suggestions of ways in which the short activities can be developed into a whole lesson or series of lessons are presented. (PK)

Argues that before topics are added to or deleted from the traditional mathematics curriculum, it should be determined how technology can be used to teach that content. (PK)

Reports on the seventh grade and eleventh grade results of the fourth mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Addresses students' performance on variables and relations, geometry, fundamental methods of mathematics, and attitudes. (PK)

Out-of-date textbooks, inappropriate tests, and underprepared teachers have left mathematics in the classroom in disarray. The need for a permanent national capability to influence all agencies responsible for mathematics education is discussed. (MLW)