A Meta-Analysis Examining the Evidence-Base of Mathematical Interventions for Students With Emotional Disturbances

Math outcomes for students with disabilities, in particular students with emotional disturbance (ED), are bleak, warranting intervention strategies that have research to support their utility. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the literature of math interventions used with students with ED to improve math outcome variables. Our statistical analysis included 17 studies, categorized as addressing fractions, number sense, geometry and measurement, algebra, word problems, and “other.” Although only four of the included studies met all of the CEC-EBP (Council for Exceptional Children’s Standards for Evidence-Based of Practices in Special Education) quality indicators, results of effect size calculations suggest large effects for all interventions. Results of publication bias analyses were mixed. Limitations, directions for future research in this field, and implications for practice are discussed.

Semiregular Tessellations with Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are multifunctional instructional tools with a variety of applications in various strands of mathematics (number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra, probability). The six pattern blocks are an equilateral triangle (green), a blue rhombus, an isosceles trapezoid (red), a regular hexagon (yellow), a square (orange), and a white rhombus. The sides of all pattern blocks are congruent, considered to be 1 unit in length for this article. Photograph 1 depicts a wall painting with squares and rhombuses found in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Spotlight on the Principles/Standards: Problem Solving in the Middle Grades

IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR middle-grades students to experience problem solving in the mathematics curriculum? Do you want the curriculum to capture the excitement of geometry and measurement, algebra, statistics, and number relationships? Do you want it to help students understand and build new mathematical knowledge and explore new mathematical relationships? Do you want the curriculum to be filled with opportunities for students to ponder, create, and critique arguments about mathematics? If this is your vision for your students, then you should be pleased with, and excited by, the Problem Solving Standard in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000).