Analysis of the 1998 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools: Comparisons to student performance, standardized test objectives, and the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics

The purpose of this study was to examine the 1998 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools and to determine the extent to which it corresponds to national views of elementary mathematics.;This study compared the Mathematics Framework to three areas: student performance, standardized test objectives, and the NCTM Principles and Standards. Student performance on the mathematics portions on the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the California Learning Assessment System examinations were reviewed to determine if the framework places emphasis on areas where students appear to be weak. The objectives of the 1999 STAR examination were compared to the California mathematics content standards to determine if the framework places emphasis on areas where students are tested. The NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics was compared to the Mathematics Framework with respect to purpose, guiding principles, and content objectives.;One result of the study indicates that with the exception of the use of technology, the needs of California elementary students were a factor in determining the sequencing and topics of the Mathematics Framework . Another result reveals that about eighty-five percent of the content standards included in the framework were covered on the 1999 STAR examination. The study also found that while their positions differ on the role of technology in the classroom and the sequencing of content objectives, the Mathematics Framework and Principles and Standards have far more similarities than differences.;Based on these results, three conclusions were drawn. First, the role of technological tools in elementary mathematics education continues to be an issue for debate. Second, alignment between assessment and instruction is essential in a quality mathematics education program. Finally, differences in sequencing of content and guiding principles present challenges for publishers.