A National Study of Early Elementary Math Curricula
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education

This study takes a look at the achievement effects fo four elementary school math curriculum The four curriculum are Investigations in Number, Data, and Space: Math Expressions: Saxon Math: and Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Mathematics. Here links to the reports the study has generated.

Achievement Effects of Four Early Elementary School Math Curricula
Findings for First and Second Graders
NCEE 2011-4001
Institute of Education Sciences
National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
October 2010

Achievement Effects of Four Early Elementary School Math Curricula
Findings from First Graders in 39 Schools
NCEE 2009-4052
Institute of Education Sciences
National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
February 2009

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.

TERC: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space
Illinois Loop


Characteristics of the TERC Investigations program

• NSF funded
• Multiple strategies developed
• Standard algorithms not emphasized or developed to fluency
• Common denominators not well developed
• Inadequate preparation for future math
• Group investigation work
• Worked examples and explanations often missing from student materials
• Good visual models
• Transition to abstract fluency not developed
• Student-centered
• Constructivist approach
• Emphasized metacognition and communication rather getting correct answer

Is this Evidence of Success?
Independent Research & Analysis A Survey of School Districts Profiled in Pearson Scott Foresman Publishers’ January 2007 Publication, "Investigations in Number, Data, and Space: Evidence for Success"i
(Data as of February 24, 2009)


Investigations in Number, Data, and Space® What Works Clearinghouse
Effectiveness: No studies of Investigations in Number, Data, and Space® that fall within the scope of the Elementary School Math review protocol meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence standards. The lack of studies meeting WWC evidence standards means that, at this time, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions based on research about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of Investigations in Number, Data, and Space®.

Stop T.E.R.C. (Taking Excessive Risks with our Children)

Reviews of TERC: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space
This has links to other reviews of TERC Investigations.

2008 TERC Math vs. 2008 National Math Panel Recommendations
TERC 2008 Math Fails to Provide the Foundations of Algebra by Bill Quirk

Investigations in Numbers, Data, and Space From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mathematics -- Specific Math Programs Illinois Loop information and links to reviews

Investigations Math Poll Results - Origins and Articles
Norton News

Independent Survey of School Districts Claimed as Evidence of Investigations Success in 2007

The Evidence Against TERC Investigations
PWC Education Reform Blog

WWC Quick Review of the Report "Achievement Effects of Four Elementary School Math Curricula: Findings from First Graders in 39 Schools"
IES What Works Clearinghouse



News Articles Related to TERC Investigations


Investigations Math in action: crashing and burning with large numbers
Katharine Beals February 20, 2011 OUt in Left Field

The unintended consequences of the Investigations Math Curric.wmv




Look again at 'Investigations'
Taylor Greer Nov. 02, 2009 The Centre Daily Times

Parents Rise Up Against A New Approach to Math
By Ian ShapiraWashington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Advanced Pass Rates Drop with Investigations
June 8, 2009 PWC Education Reform Blog

Victim of innovative LA curriculum leery of new TERC math
ALLISON RICHARDS May 29, 2008 The Frederick News-Post


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