Publications Focus on Improving

Math Learning

According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), math proficiency scores are on the rise in America's schools. However, our students continue to score consistently below their international peers in mathematics learning at the secondary level. Equally troubling is the fact that achievement gaps persist among American children of different ethnicities and income levels.

Improving Adolescent Mathematics: Findings From Research

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Two new publications from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (NWREL) address those issues, examining research and suggesting ways to improve mathematics instruction. Improving Adolescent Mathematics: Findings From Research introduces school faculty to important and relevant studies "in a way that can help move implications of recent research about adolescent learning of mathematics into school settings." The book's author, Julie Peck, notes that the content of mathematics taught in K–12 classrooms has changed, along with the requirement that all students learn the kind of math that only a minority of students learned in the past. "The change in required student learning of mathematics calls for a whole-school and community effort," says Peck.

Centering on five guiding questions, the book sums up research and theory to guide the improvement effort. It examines what mathematical literacy for secondary students looks like today; building and district support needed to help struggling learners; instructional practices to promote the development of mathematical thinking and skills; effective assessment practices; and professional development strategies. Recommendations for teachers and schools accompany each of these topics, as well as summaries of relevant research studies.

Additional information about Improving Adolescent Mathematics can be found at www.nwrel.org/scpd/ote/math. To order, see our online product catalog at www.nwrel.org/comm/catalog/ or call 1-800-547-6339, ext. 519.

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The winter 2005 issue of Northwest Education magazine also addresses effective math instruction with a focus on professional development. "Math + Professional Development = A Winning Equation" looks at how Northwest teachers are increasing the rigor of math classes, from introducing algebraic thinking in kindergarten to strengthening middle school geometry curriculum and tailoring math lessons to English language learners. The magazine can be accessed online in early December at www.nwrel.org/nwedu/.

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