Mathematics is one of the subject areas selected for primary emphasis in the NCLB Adequate Yearly Progress requirements for schools and districts. RBS' approach to improving mathematics teaching and learning includes the following major features: standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment; current research on student thinking; substantial time for planning and professional development; problem-based learning; and evidence-based programs. Resources that embody RBS' philosophy and these features are presented in this section.
Content and Teaching Standards
AAAS views mathematics as a part of science, and in their Project 2061's Benchmarks for Science Literacy there are statements/standards of what all students should know or be able to do in science, mathematics, and technology by the end of grades 2, 5, 8, and 12. This portion of the Web site is devoted to The Nature of Mathematics.
This compendium of science content standards created by McREL was designed for curriculum developers and teachers involved in standards development or revision. Click Mathematics to see the information on mathematics standards, and Lesson Plans to see specific classroom activities designed to address mathematics standards.
NBPTS has developed standards in 27 fields, including mathematics. All NBPTS standards are based on the Board's five core propositions for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. The standards also serve as the basis for NBPTS certification. The mathematics standards may be found at the NBPTS Web site.
NCTM has been a leader in the standards movement, having produced several seminal documents to guide standards-based improvement. Related documents can be viewed at the NCTM Web site.
Assessment
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as "the Nation's Report Card," is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. Since 1969, assessments have been conducted periodically in eight subject areas, including mathematics. Click on mathematics.
PISA assesses the degree to which 15-year-old students near the end of compulsory education have acquired some of the knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in society, including mathematical literacy. Click on What PISA Assesses, then Mathematical Literacy.
PALS is an on-line, standards-based, continually updated resource bank of science performance assessment tasks indexed via the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and various other standards frameworks.
TIMSS, formerly known as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study, provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. students compared to that of students in other countries. TIMSS data has been collected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. Click on TIMSS 2007 results.
Learning Activities and Instructional Practices
The extensive ENC Web site contains the most comprehensive collection of mathematics curriculum resources and professional development materials in the nation as a low-cost subscription site.
This extensive Web site hosted by the U.S. Department of Education offers links to free resources in a range of subject areas. To access the mathematics resources, which are further delineated by sub-topic areas, click on Mathematics.
The Center has conducted an intensive, nationally coordinated research program—in collaboration with teachers—to advance effective reform of K-12 mathematics and science. Charged by the U.S. Department of Education in 1995 to build a solid research base about ways instruction can be improved, Center researchers have worked with teachers and diverse student populations to develop new mathematics and science learning environments and professional development models.
The NSDL, created by the National Science Foundation to provide organized access to high quality resources and tools that support innovations in teaching and learning at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, is a digital library of exemplary resource collections and services, organized in support of science education at all levels. Use the search box for mathematics or a more specific topic.
This portion of the NSF Web site features a diverse collection of lessons and Web resources for classroom teachers, their students, and students' families. Click on Mathematics.
Part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Project 2061 has focused on curriculum and instruction practices including mathematics. Project 2061 has investigated how best to coordinate teaching practices, curriculum materials, and professional development to improve student learning in Middle Grades mathematics. Click on Improving Learning in Middle Grades Mathematics and Evaluation of Science and Mathematics Textbooks.
This Web site contains diverse materials, announcements and electronic communications designed for teachers. This section is the Lesson Bank; click on Mathematics or a grade level.
This site at Michigan State University is also a good source of mathematics resources. Click on Overheads and Data Files, then Miscellaneous Overheads from Presentations. The first section is on mathematics, covering such topics as:
- Number of Mathematics Topics Intended
- Number of Mathematics Topics Introduced at Each Grade Level with Focused Attention
- Comparison of Introduction at Various Stages
- Average Topic Duration
- Number of Topics Intended at TIMSS Tested Grade Levels
On an ongoing basis, the WWC collects, screens, and identifies studies of the effectiveness of educational interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies). WWC reviews the studies that have the strongest design and reports on the strengths and weaknesses of those studies against the WWC Evidence Standards to disseminate the best scientific evidence available.
Policy Environment
The NAP was created to publish reports prepared by the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, all operating under a charter granted by the Congress of the United States and created to be advisory bodies. The NAP publishes more than 200 books a year on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative views on important issues in science and health policy. Most reports are available for free viewing and downloading. Use the search box for mathematics or a more specific topic.
NCTM takes public positions on many policy topics
This section of the ED Web site describes the mathematics background for NCLB, performance status, and recommended steps for improvement.
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Professional Associations and Resources