Analyzes the use of the commutative property for solving multiplication problems by children who learn about multiplication in schools and by street vendors who solve multiplication problem through repeated addition. Concludes that the use of commutativity to solve multiplication problems is closely related to the use of multiplication. Contains…

Investigates the effect of mental schemes corresponding to additive and multiplicative situations in the process of interpreting and solving problems. Classifies relative difficulties of problems according to their situations which are considered through a written test administered to pupils in grades 2, 3, and 4. Supports the assumption that…

Compares two experimental programs for teaching mental addition and subtraction in the Dutch second grade (N=275). Discusses realistic program design (RPD) and gradual program design (GPD). Concludes that RPD pupils show a more varied use of solution procedures than GPD pupils. Contains 46 references. (Author/ASK)

Discusses convergence between instructional practices suggested by research on achievement motivation and practices promoted in mathematics-instruction reform literature by focusing on fourth- through sixth-grade students (N=624) and their teachers (N=24). Concludes that the instructional practices suggested in the literature of both research…

Uses data from a large community-based research project to examine perceptions of southwestern Saskatchewan residents about schooling's contributions to community sustainability. Area residents highly valued the maintenance of extensive local educational services and were generally satisfied with available services. However, schools offer…

Examines school-funding equity litigation concerning rural schools, effects of political power on rural funding, rural and urban competition for funding, unique funding problems of rural schools, the growing threat to equity posed by sales-tax funding schemes, and future funding-litigation strategies for rural schools. Tables list relevant federal…

Examines the relationship between grade configuration in rural schools and student attendance, suspension, and academic achievement for grades 6, 7, 10, and 11. In a large random sample of rural Louisiana schools, students in elementary schools (K-6/7) and unit schools (K-12) outperformed their middle and secondary school peers. Contains 25…

The 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are examined with rural schools in mind, focusing on discipline, performance goals and indicators, individual education plans, parent participation, student reevaluations, children ages 3 to 9, preschool programs, disproportionate special-education placements by race or…

Discusses collaboration among small rural schools in Wales and how such collaboration is supported by the education authorities. Recent legislation led to the reorganization of Welsh education authorities and this, together with new demands and reduced resources, affected their support for small rural schools. Three models of school collaboration…

Examines the efficacy of nonresidential expanded tax base (ETB) approaches to school finance. A simulation estimated effects of statewide and regional nonresidential ETB approaches on measures of student equity for New York school districts. ETB approaches would improve student equity at no additional cost to the state and need not adversely…

Brent's examination of the nonresidential expanded tax base (ETB) approach seriously understates the potential equity gains from a carefully designed nonresidential ETB. Practical and political hurdles to adoption of a nonresidential ETB are discussed. An algebraic implementation of a redistribution system is presented that generates significant…

Provides a further examination of nonresidential expanded tax base (ETB) approaches to school finance. Disagrees with Townsend's optimism that more equitable distribution formulas can be found in existing state aid systems, and with Townsend's concern that the specification of distribution formulas will be subject to political manipulation.…

Analyzed how British primary schools interpreted discretionary time, noting how that interpretation related to amounts of time given to different subjects within the National Curriculum. Surveys and interviews indicated that over half of the schools had 5% or less of the week available for discretionary time. Circle time and health education were…

Discusses the split between theory and practice in education and the extent to which teachers engaging in research into their own practice can bridge the gap and help improve schools and research. The paper presents two case studies of successful collaborative, school-based action research and offers a critical reflection of learning from the case…

Examined emergent literacy in preschool children, interviewing low-income parents and observing children whom preschool teachers predicted would make either good or poor literacy progress. The study investigated what parents did with their children before primary school. Most children had rich literacy experiences, often specifically targeting…