The present study compared item and ability invariance as well as model-data fit between the one-parameter (1PL) and three-parameter (3PL) Item Response Theory (IRT) models utilizing real data across five grades; second through sixth as well as simulated data at second, fourth and sixth grade. At each grade, the 1PL and 3PL IRT models were run…

The purpose of this study was to develop general outcome measures (GOM) in mathematics so that teachers could focus their instruction on needed prerequisite skills. We describe in detail, the manner in which content-related evidence was established and then present a number of statistical analyses conducted to evaluate the technical adequacy of…

BRT Math Screening Measures focus on students' mathematics performance in grade-level standards for students in grades 1-8. A total of 24 test forms are available with three test forms per grade corresponding to fall, winter, and spring testing periods. Each form contains computation problems and application problems. BRT Math Screening Measures…

In this paper, we describe a design experiment aimed at helping students to explore and develop concepts of infinite processes and objects. Our approach is based on the design and development of a computational microworld, which afforded students the means to construct a range of representational models (symbolic, visual and numeric) of…

Much has been written on the subject of linking math and literature. However, the focus is usually on the incorporation of reading into a math class--how a teacher might use picture books, problems, or stories, in general, to bring enthusiasm and engagement into the math classroom. In this article, the authors propose that teachers think about…

Introduces a collection of papers presented at a symposium on the situationally-specific character of problem-solving practices. Reports that findings provoke speculation about relations among social contexts, knowledge and activity, and relations between school-learned problem-solving techniques and those used in other settings. (KH)

LCDF (Library Collection Distribution Formulas) is a modular, interactive, user-friendly applications and instructional software package designed to help librarians determine the placement and calculate the distribution of book collections and book sequences in a library, prior to physical collection movement. LCDF is written in UCSD (University…

The Japanese, Chinese, and Russian abaci are described. Policies of the Japanese Education Ministry with regard to calculation are briefly discussed. (SD)

Latent-class item response models with small numbers of latent classes are quite competitive in terms of model fit to corresponding item-response models, at least for one- and two-parameter logistic (1PL and 2PL) models. Provided that care is taken in terms of computational procedures and in terms of use of only limited numbers of latent classes,…

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of children's measurement concepts and to outline implications of recent research on transitivity and counting. Discussion is confined to measurement of length and focuses on aspects of measurement outlined in the last two of Piaget's three measurement stages. It is argued that measurement…

A developmental mathematics program at Hill Top Preparatory School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania is designed to help learning disabled students prepare for jobs and college work. Intended for non-college bound as well as for the college bound, the program emphasizes aspects of environment (appropriate placement, self pacing, small groups), process…

The use of computational diagrams and nomographs for the calculations that frequently occur in college administration is examined. Steps in constructing a nomograph and a four-dimensional computational diagram are detailed, and uses of three- and four-dimensional diagrams are covered. Diagrams and nomographs are useful in the following cases: (1)…

The use of programmable calculators for the simulation of experiments is discussed and five examples of specific applications are provided. (DT)

The study involving 183 learning disabled and 852 nondisabled children (grades 3 through 6), investigated students' performance on arithmetic basic fact problems in addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Three separate group administered tests were devised, covering 98 basic addition, 98 subtraction, and 98 multiplication facts. Children were…

An approach to teaching mildly retarded children math skills using finger calculation is discussed. Drills progress from using one to two hands and doing multiplication and division. The appropriateness of finger calculation with children in the sensory motor and preoperational stages of development is noted, and the approach's ability to enhance…