What are some successful programs or teaching methods used to improve math skills?

Langley High Successfully Integrates Math and Technology
Langley High's principal tells how the Cognitive Tutor, a computer-based tool developed at Carnegie Mellon University, helped students achieve higher levels of mathematical skill. The key? Presenting stories based in real world situations as a springboard for solving algebra problems.

Scholastic Professional Resources: We Love Math!
Jennifer O. Prescott, managing editor of Instructor Magazine, describes several teacher-tested approaches for extending students' thinking and math skills in the context of open-ended, project activities. Lottie Mosher, a sixth grade teacher in Virginia who regularly implements a bridge-building project in new and creative ways, sums it all up when she says, "Mathematics is so much more than just computation!"

Powerful Middle Schools:
Influencing Teaching and Learning for Young Adolescents
This QuickTime event from February 2000 focuses on what works in effective middle schools, including interdisciplinary learning, advisory and counseling programs, varied and engaging instructions, and exploratory programs, exposing students to a range of academic, vocational and recreational activities in school and the community. The program also addresses ways for schools and families to help middle school students start getting ready for college.

Structuring Cooperative Learning in Middle School Mathematics
This resource features advice on implementing cooperative learning in math classes, with many concrete examples and activities. Use this resource to gather ideas on different activities to encourage cooperative learning.

Where are some examples of math programs and teaching techniques?

Connected Mathematics Project
Developed at the University of Michigan and recognized by the Department of Education's Mathematics and Science Education Panel as an exemplary program for middle school mathematics, Connected Mathematics seeks to develop students' reasoning and problem solving abilities by means of engaging, project-based activities. Research supports the effectiveness of Connected Math, and this Web site offers extensive information about the Connected Math curriculum, now available from a major publisher.

The National Math Trail
The National Math Trail is an opportunity for K-12 teachers and students to discover and share the math that exists in their own environments. Students explore their communities and create one or more math problems that relate to what they find. Teachers submit the problems to the National Math Trail site, along with photos, drawings, sound recordings, videos--whatever can be adapted to the Internet. 31895

What Good is Math?
If you teach math, you've certainly been asked this question. This page provides answers from several fields, including art and finance. 40811

Middle School Math Projects, Fun Sites and Field Trips
This site features many Internet field trips for middle school math students, middle school level math projects on the Internet, fun sites related to middle school math and much, much more. Use this resource to expand instruction beyond the classroom.

Middle School Math Resources
This site features many resources for middle school math. Use this site to find lessons, activities, strategies for teaching math, advice on structuring math classes and much more.

Exemplary and Promising Mathematics Programs
The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse showcases five exemplary math programs identified by the Department of Education's Expert Panel on Mathematics and Science Education. At this site you will find complete information on each program to help you make better-informed decisions in support of your students' math learning. Links are provided to sample materials for each program, to national standards, and to a number of state frameworks.