A new report by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) examines mathematics standards used in grades 1-6 by Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, which were chosen for international benchmarking because of their high performance on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assessments. The analysis finds a number of features that can be utilized for the development of K-6 mathematics standards in the United States, including:

* The composite standards concentrate the early learning of mathematics on numbers, measurement, and geometry, with less emphasis on data analysis, and little exposure to algebra.
* The composite standards sequence topics within strands in ways that support in-depth and efficient development of mathematics content following a logical development of mathematical knowledge.
* The composite standards sequence mathematical competencies within a topic across the grades according to a mathematically logical progression.
* The ordering of content for one topic is frequently aligned to reinforce the content of another topic for the same or prior grades.

The study, “Informing Grades 1-6 Mathematics Standards Development: What Can Be Learned From High-Performing Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore,” was prepared for the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization. It was supported with funding by the U.S. Department of Education and The Synergy Enterprises, Inc.

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Tags: Curriculum, Grades K-5, Mathematics, Research, Research on Learning, Web Resources