A conceptual framework is presented for the development of the Quantitative Understanding: Amplifying Student Achievement and Reasoning (QUASAR) Cognitive Assessment Instrument (QCAI) that focuses on the ability of middle-school students to problem solve, reason, and communicate mathematically. The instrument will provide programatic rather than…

Describes a beginning secondary mathematics teacher's professional growth before and after teacher education. Interviews, observations, and analyses of videotaped lessons suggest that, if teacher educators want to increase the power of professional preparation, they should strengthen the relationship between academic learning and practical…

For 301 students in grades 8 through 12 in 4 rural Appalachian schools, the ability of several school-related variables (including self-evaluations, teachers' evaluations, and grades) to predict performance on 2 scales of the Differential Aptitude Test was studied. Teacher perceptions and student self-evaluation are moderately valid predictors.…

Differential item functioning on 6 forms of the Scholastic Aptitude Test was examined for 181,228 male and 198,668 female students focusing on the points tested, the test format, and subject matter in which items are embedded. Implications of the identifiable differences are discussed. (SLD)

Neglected, or physically or sexually abused, children performed poorer on standardized tests, received lower grades, were more likely to repeat a grade and had more discipline referrals than nonmaltreated children. Among maltreated children, neglected children showed the poorest academic performance, and physically abused children had the most…

Presents results of a study of relationships between parents' education levels and the level their children's placement in a mathematics tracking system. Reports that college-educated parents are more involved and likely to intervene in their children's placement and decisions. Concludes that parent involvement at critical decision points helps to…

This paper argues that quality in mathematics teaching is related to pupil achievement; teaching approaches; and beliefs about the nature of mathematics, teaching, and learning. The apprenticeship model of mathematics teacher education is seen as depriving student teachers of theory and practical research experience. (MSE)

A questionnaire measuring affective, conative, and cognitive responses to 3 aspects of Black advancement in the workplace was administered to 128 White English-speaking and 140 Afrikaans-speaking South Africans. Results of confirmatory, single-group, and multigroup analyses of the data indicate that the structures were very similar across the…

A mathematics staff development program engaged kindergarten through twelfth grade Georgia teachers in a constructivist approach to learning for use in the classroom. The Problem-Solving and Thinking Project emphasized that teacher and student learning is not done passively and that teachers must be taught as it is hoped they will teach. (SM)

Asserts that literature extension activities are an important part of any literature-based reading program for young children. Describes exercises based on the children's book "The Wolf's Chicken Stew" that enhance vocabulary, build higher-order thinking skills, improve comprehension, and develop writing and mathematical skills. (PRA)

Provides six fully developed library media activities to be used in conjunction with specific curriculum units in art, health, physical education, reading/language arts, science and mathematics, and social studies. Grade levels, objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activities and procedures for completion, evaluation,…

Discussion of science and math instruction for elementary and secondary students highlights the use of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL). Data collection, storage, and display are discussed, the use of databases to organize and manage information is described, and the exchange of ideas with other students through telecommunications is…

Survey contacted 175 students with learning disabilities who exited four high schools between 1986 and 1989. Overall, 86 percent were employed either full or part time. At least one semester of postsecondary education was completed by 26 percent of sample. The most successful students tended to be those with higher math ability, employment during…

Effects of previous training and experience in peer tutoring on student interactions were studied for 16 elementary school classes. Student dyads with experience and training in peer tutoring provided more interactional explanations and incorporated sounder instructional principles. In both situations, student explanations tended to be algorithmic…

Uses computers to help students identify variables controlling pendulum period. A program written in BASIC for the Apple computer is provided. The activities are useful for developing science skills, mathematics skills, and computer skills. (PR)