Three mathematics education researchers discuss their findings on the use of diagrams in math instruction for English language learners. The authors show how diagrams can help students who are English learners better develop mathematical thinking and communicate their mathematical understanding.

This article provides information to educational leaders about how to address the challenge of supporting students who are emergent multilingual--i.e., those identified as English Learners (ELs) by their schools--in middle grades mathematics classes. The ideas in this article draw on research and collaborations with hundreds of teachers across the…

We propose that there exists mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) specific to visual representations (VRs), abbreviated MKT-VR. We define a VR as a graphic creation, such as a diagram or drawing, which illustrates quantities and shows quantitative relationships or which illustrates geometric properties of figures and shows geometric…

Teachers' confidence and facility with strategies that position and support students who are English learners (ELs) as active participants in middle grades mathematics classrooms are key to facilitating ELs' mathematics learning. The Visual Access to Mathematics (VAM) project developed and studied teacher professional development (PD) focused on…

Although there are increasing numbers of professional development (PD) materials intended to foster teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching within the topics of number and algebra, little attention has been given to geometry. In this article we describe the Learning and Teaching Geometry project's approach to the development of PD materials…

Because the author and his colleagues at the Center for Leadership and Learning Communities believe that instructional coaching is one of the most exciting developments in education in a long time, they have examined the questions this new strategy has raised for education leaders: Should coaching replace some traditional forms of teacher…

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) publishes practice guides in education to bring the best available evidence and expertise to bear on current challenges in education. Authors of practice guides combine their expertise with the findings of rigorous research, when available, to develop specific recommendations for addressing these…

Instructional tips help educators carry out recommendations contained in IES Educator's Practice Guides. The tips translate these recommendations into actionable approaches that educators can try in their classrooms. These tips are based on a practice guide authored by Sybilla Beckmann, Mark Driscoll, Megan Franke, Patricia Herzig, Asha Jitendra,…

As an outgrowth of "A Study of Exemplary Mathematics Programs," conducted at the Northeast Regional Exchange in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, a panel of experts rated 150 school mathematics programs that had submitted evidence of excellence in student outcomes, for example, high test scores, exceptional course enrollments, significant…

This report discusses the change in mathematics curriculum influenced by researchers, society, and the mathematics field. Many research results suggest that students should learn mathematics by experience. Students' misconceptions may be formed because of the sudden shift from arithmetic to algebra. Up to the eighth grade, mathematical content has…

This document was initiated with the collection of 150 questions in telephone interviews of a national sampling of junior high school and high school teachers. A Mathematics Consultant Panel reviewed the questions, and selected topics were developed, for which there were research bases for answers. The material covers: (1) Effective Mathematics…

Discusses factors related to the success of a mathematics program selected for excellence by criteria that included student performance on standardized math tests and the intensity of involvement in extracurricular activities. Outlines characteristics of the school's rural farm community, administrative and teacher leadership, and the role of…

Research on fractions and decimals is reviewed. Understanding is vital, and thus children need experiences with concrete materials for the various interpretations of rational numbers. (MNS)

This book was written as a resource for middle and high school teachers hoping to ease their students' transition to algebra. Drawing on experiences with three professional development programs, key "habits of thinking" that characterize the successful learning and use of algebra are outlined. Strategies teachers can use to cultivate…

Computers can offer fun games, but they need to nurture thoughtful learning as well. (Author)