Brain scans suggest memorizing those times tables
When we add and multiply numbers, a brain region that controls memorization plays a big role. That's not the case when we subtract or divide, however.
Math
Poorly written, a 4th-grade snowflake problem is a waste
Looking at a homework assignment given to a Maryland 4th grader, we see a need to give districts and teachers more time to prepare lessons so they actually benefit students.
Teach for America is like a lone bassoon in Beethoven
Teach for America has produced some excellent young teachers in some of the country's lowest-performing schools. However, a reliance on math test scores misses the mark.
Study: Kids grasp large numbers remarkably young
Changes to early childhood curricula in math that make use of recent research out of Michigan State University might bring more math to pre-K, and that's OK.
Mega Millions jackpot grows, but odds have shrunk
The Mega Millions jackpot is approaching a record, thanks in part to a reduction in the odds of winning instituted by the lottery in October.
Kids in East St Louis graph their progress in math
Some students in East St Louis, Ill., are learning how to make bar graphs by keeping track of their own progress on interim math tests given in their school.
PARCC samples in grade 3 math reflect carelessness
We begin our review of newly released items from PARCC with third-grade mathematics. These two items show a lack of attention to detail that has typified PARCC items in the past.
3rd graders learn to estimate with Common Core
We consider a letter written by a parent of a 3rd grader in Maryland, published in the Baltimore Sun, about the Common Core standard for estimation.
A little late, PARCC releases more sample test items
The assessment consortium to which both Maryland and Illinois belong (PARCC) has released another set of exemplar items to show teachers what's coming in terms of the tests aligned to the Common Core.
Teaching the Common Core with pumpkins
An article in the <em>Beacon-News</em> prompts us to look at how teachers in the early elementary grades might incorporate pumpkins into the lessons under the Common Core.