Children taking algebra for the first time often have difficulty making the transition from arithmetic. In an effort to help them bridge the gap, the College Board and the Educational Testing Service have developed “Algebridge,” a package of instructional materials to help teachers size up students’ algebraic weaknesses. It also includes eight modules of materials designed to help teachers introduce those often troublesome concepts. Each module takes about two weeks of class time to complete.
Researchers tested the materials in 6th to 9th grade classrooms in Arizona, Boston, Chicago, Delaware, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. According to project director Paul Ramsey, the materials worked best in middle school pre-algebra classes. They are expected to be published in the 1990-91 school year by Janson Publications, Inc., of Providence, R.I.
In honor of those who died in the civil-rights movement, the Southern Poverty Law Center has prepared a chronicle of the movement for secondary school students.
The 104-page publication, Free At Last: A History of the Civil Rights Movement and Those Who Died in the Struggle, contains brief biographies of the 40 people whose names are engraved on a recently dedicated memorial in Montgomery, Ala.
Collaborations between schools and “science-rich” universities, museums, and businesses seem to have taken hold in a big way, according to a report by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
However, participation is often voluntary, and some alliances result in activities that are at the fringes of basic science programs.
The report suggests ways to avoid pitfalls and enhance the chances of success. Copies of the report are available, at $10 apiece, from: Network Publications, P.O. Box 1830, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; (800) 321-4407.
