The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), with the establishment and promulgation of standards for the reform of teaching and learning mathematics, has furnished the leadership and the impetus toward the achievement of a vision of affording a high-quality mathematics education for all of the nation's children. Published in March…

In this age of digital technology, calculators, computers, and educational software, calculator-based laboratories have become important elements in the learning and teaching of mathematics. This digest provides an annotated listing of World Wide Web resources and contact information for organizations pertaining to technology use in mathematics…

Some of the instructional techniques developed by the mathematics reform movement are effective with Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, whether instruction is provided in the student's native language or in English. The following assumptions lead to good instruction: (1) students are capable of learning advanced mathematics regardless of…

Based on a summary of research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education, which is presented in Part 1, the companion to this digest, recommendations are given to improve mathematics teaching practices. Among the recommendations are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following…

A discussion of numeracy (the ability to cope confidently with the mathematical demands of everyday life), focuses on provision of numeracy instruction alongside English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction for learners with low literacy skills. It looks first at considerations and methods for assessing student numeracy needs, including the…

Family mathematics programs, based on family literacy programs, successfully teach math skills to both children and their parents. This digest describes specific strategies for teaching family mathematics. Schools can use these strategies as part of an overall program or as ad hoc family learning activities. In family math programs, program…

The current reform effort in mathematics education has its roots in the decade of the 1980's and the national reports that focused attention on an impending crisis in education, particularly in mathematics and science. Within this context, dozens of individual reform efforts have been initiated in recent years. Many have focused on the development…

A mathematical problem is used to illustrate the difficulties non-native or limited-English-speaking students may encounter while attempting to solve mathematical problems in English. Simply knowing the language of instruction and the required math skills may not be sufficient for solving math problems. Cultural issues are present as well. It is…

This digest discusses the unique needs of mathematically gifted students and reasons why curriculum and instruction should be differentiated for these learners in mixed-ability classrooms. Recommendations for differentiation include: (1) give pre-assessments so that students who already know the material do not have to repeat it but may be…

Traditionally, disadvantaged groups, such as women and minorities, have not excelled in science and math. Often the lack of literacy and achievement in these subjects is due to the following factors: (1) cognitive differences between how the information is presented and how the students process it; (2) lack of familiarity, because of cultural…

Calculus has become the center of a heated debate within the mathematics community. There are those who question the very centrality of calculus in the mathematics curriculum. Evidence indicates that many current calculus courses are not serving students well. In addition, computers and advanced calculators can now do many of the manipulations…

The study of fractions is fundamental in mathematics, yet it is among the most difficult topics for school students. This digest discusses the issues that students face in studying fractions and offers a curriculum consisting of four modules for teaching about fractions. Information about the Rational Number Project, additional resources, and…

This Digest reviews common teaching practices and methods of communication in the classroom to indicate the treatment of female students that inhibits their ability to successfully learn mathematics as well as identifying some negative attitudes about female mathematics achievement held by teachers and parents that may deter girls from continuing…

This Digest discusses teaching interdisciplinary thematic units in language arts, noting that such units typically integrate broad areas of knowledge, such as social studies, mathematics, or ecology with the teaching of the four major language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The Digest presents a definition and rationale for…

This digest discusses the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), conducted during the 1994-95 school year, in relation to teaching and suggests resources for further study. The digest includes a description of the study, data collection methods of the study, key results, and details of TIMSS-R, a repeat study…