Effects of dimensionality on ability estimation of an adaptive test were examined using generated data in Bayesian computerized adaptive testing (CAT) simulations. Generally, increasing interdimensional difficulty association produced a slight decrease in test length and an increase in accuracy of ability estimation as assessed by root mean square…

Responds to Romberg's reaction and argues that the present conservative social context will determine the use to which the "Standards" are put. Expresses concern that unequal school finance policies in providing technologically rich classroom environments will result in educational stratification. (MDH)

Algebridge, the first phase of a University of Arizona project (PRIME) to promote higher education among minority middle school students, makes algebra more accessible by smoothing students' transition to abstract thinking and pinpointing potentially frustrating concepts. The program helps at-risk youngsters dispel their fear of math and clear the…

Discusses how students generate meanings for mathematical word problems, develops a generative predicational model to account for students' comprehension of word problems, and describes an empirical study of Israeli sixth graders that was designed to test the model. Talk aloud protocols of the students are analyzed, and hypotheses tested are…

The costs, effects, and utility of mathematics instruction assisted by microcomputer presentations were compared with those of conventional classroom approaches, using 79 students in grades 3 and 5. Results indicate that grouping students for instruction on microcomputers in classrooms is cost effective. (SLD)

Calculates an approximation to Avagadro's number for one mole of water by assuming the mole to be in cubical form and then halving the cube three times, thereby doubling the surface area of the original cube. The calculations are derived from the work necessary to perform these divisions. Presents calculated values for several liquids. (MDH)

Presents the framework for a chemical engineering course using ordinary differential equations to solve problems with the underlying strategy of concisely discussing the theory behind each solution technique without extensions to formal proofs. Includes typical class illustrations, student responses to this strategy, and reaction of the…

Seven secondary teachers of 57 students with learning disabilities used a videodisc program to teach fractions. Teacher and student reactions were very positive, almost two-thirds of the students reached or exceeded criterion performance, and teaching styles of participating teachers subsequently became more interactive. (JDD)

Twenty reading-disabled, 10 math-disabled, and 25 control-group college students were assessed on a battery of psychophysical tasks that included 5 tests of temporal processing. Findings suggest that poor temporal processing is neither a necessary nor a sufficient cause of reading disability but that there is a modest association between the two…

Described is a method of recording student completion of National Curriculum Mathematics competencies. A computer program was developed to simplify the teachers task and shorten the time required to record results, thus freeing teachers time for working with children. (MDH)

Scaling methodologies used in analysis of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) surveys since 1984 are reviewed. The plausible values methodology developed for NAEP scale-score analyses is described in the contexts of item response theory and average response method scaling. Current NAEP research in scaling is discussed. (SLD)

A summary is provided of a large-scale needs assessment research project in Colorado that tested the validity of several statistical procedures or models for indirectly estimating the need for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services across geographic subregions using a Colorado Social Health Survey sample of 4,745 adults. (SLD)

At a middle school in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, administrators and teachers used the cognitive domain of the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Learning Style Profile to design "products" that helped compensate for underachieving sixth and seventh graders' skill deficits in mathematics and science. Success…

The article presents strategies used by elementary teachers from around the country to promote mathematics learning in the classroom. Their ideas include using manipulatives, participating in cooperative learning, keeping math journals, collecting portfolios, and reading literature that relates to math concepts in real life. (SM)

Estimates the number of infants exposed to legal and illegal substances before birth, drawing on 27 published reports and National Institute on Drug Abuse data. The following are estimated exposure levels: (1) cocaine, 2-3 percent; (2) marijuana, 3-12 percent; (3) cigarettes, 38 percent; and (4) alcohol, 73 percent. (SLD)