A Longitudinal Study of the Instructional Effectiveness of HOLT MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH:
Year Two Report
Educational Research Institute of America

Independent Study of Washington State K-8 Curriculum Review Final Report
October 27, 2008 Strategic Teaching

Review of Mathematical Soundness Background Notes for WA State Curriculum Study
W. Stephen Wilson, Ph.D.
Elementary
This review looks at the mathematical development of whole number multiplication, area of a triangle, and adding and subtracting fractions in the elementary K-5 programs from TERC Investigations, Math Expressions, Bridges in Mathematics, and Math Connects. This review found Math Expressions and Math Connects to be mathematically acceptable. TERC Investigations and Bridges in Mathematics were found to be not mathematically acceptable.
Middle School
This review looks at the mathematical development of multiplication and division for fractions and proportions in the middle school 6-8 programs for Math Connects, Prentice Hall, Holt, and Math Thematics. This review found Math Connects ranking first and Prentice Hall and Holt tied at second with Math Thematics at the bottom.


2007 Texas 6th Grade Math Textbook Ratings
ratings by Educational Research Analysts

Summary Comparisons of 6th Grade Math Texts approved for 2007 local Texas adoption
by Educational Research Analysts

Extent of Calculator Dependence in 6th grade Math Texts approved for 2007 local Texas adoption
by Educational Research Analysts


Characteristics of the Holt 6-8 math program

• Rules for mult and div of fractions stated but not explained
• Some topics not fully developed
• Connections among concepts need further development
• Direct instruction, demonstration, guided practice, independent practice, practice problems, and spiral review provided
• Lacks some mathematical explanation and could use more example problems