Discusses the relevance of teaching algebra to all students. Issues examined include the desperate need for reform in the algebra curriculum, developing a curriculum for a broad range of people, and rethinking how mathematics courses are structured and taught. Concludes that teaching algebra to students previously unsuccessful in mathematics will…

This paper brings a teacher's perspective to bear on recent policy initiatives requiring all high school graduates to complete an Algebra One course. The paper is based on the teacher's experience in teaching high school students who have not been successful in mathematics, at Holt High School in Michigan. The teacher is caught between a desire to…

Based on the experiences as a researcher and teacher in lower-track, high school Algebra One classrooms, this book illuminates the complex dynamics of the algebra classroom and explores how to really know students, how to find engaging material, and how to inspire meaningful classroom conversations. A teacher's evolving understandings of his…

Explores the ramifications of two three-year-long experiences with different pedagogical approaches to beginning algebra. Focuses on differences in the nature of subject matter understandings and explores the impact on the teacher to support students' classroom exploration of mathematical ideas. (Contains 58 references.) (Author/ASK)

Describes one teacher's reflection concerning the quest to develop an understanding of school mathematics that promotes and sustains students' opportunities for exploration and conjecture. Recounts that a particular student's exploration of the features of parabolas eventually led to an understanding of the quadratic formula precisely because of…

This paper investigates the teacher's role in discussion-intensive pedagogy, arguing that one of the teacher's roles is to support an atmosphere of intellectual ferment. It offers possible language and stance for examining, describing, and analyzing these aspects of classroom discourse; language that is capable of finer distinctions, and a stance…