OCTOBER, 2005 
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In the October 2005 issue:
  • Why Kids Don’t Get Math – Students Struggle with State Standards
  • What’s New – Pre-Algebra Shape-Up
  • Recommended Resource – Create A Graph
  • Grants for U.S. Educators
Why Kids Don’t Get Math – Students Struggle with State Standards


The Idaho Statesman reports that just 50% of Idaho middle school students were able to complete the math section of a 2005 statewide assessment. Only a third of 6th graders mastered basic math skills; only half of 8th graders could do pre-algebra. Educators suggest that less class time should be spent drilling, and more time should be spent on understanding and writing about math concepts and the relationships between numbers. Three Merit Software programs, Pre-Algebra Shape-Up, Basic Algebra Shape-Up, and Word Problem Shape-Up, emphasize crucial problem-solving strategies and math thinking.

Learn more at: http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005510030312

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What’s New – Pre-Algebra Shape-Up


Pre-Algebra Shape-Up helps students work with equations, fractions, decimals, percents, pie charts, and both line and bar graphs. Problems are broken down into simple steps. Features include a tutorial for each step and a portfolio section to clarify the algebraic thought process.

For a complete software description or to try the downloadable evaluation version, go to: http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/pre_algebra_shape_up

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Recommended Resource – Create A Graph
 


Create A Graph is a free site from the National Center for Education Statistics. Create A Graph takes students through the steps of choosing a design, plugging in and labeling data, and downloading and printing work. The site includes examples such as the “U.S. Average Price of Gasoline,” and “Airline On-Time Statistics and Delay Causes.”

Visit: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing

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Grants for U.S. Educators
 


The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants to schools and non-profit organizations for math, technology, and science teaching programs in 7-12th grade classrooms. Small grants are awarded monthly; deadlines for large grants are February 1 and August 1. Project proposals may include the purchase of educational software.

For more information, go to: http://www.toshiba.com/taf/about_us.html

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