A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience All elementary school children, including those who are achieving below grade level.

Description The program is based on the belief that children learn best when instructional methods match the ways in which they learn and on Piaget's research which showed that elementary school children need to manipulate concrete materials to understand math concepts. Program characteristics include:

• A problem-solving approach
  
• Emphasis on reasoning, number sense, and operation sense
  
• Use of manipulatives by students to make connections between math concepts, language, and written symbols
  
• Role of students--investigate, guess, check, reason, discuss
  
• Role of teacher--pose real-world problems, guide student learning by questioning

Program components include teaching methods that can be used with any textbook, management materials, and support for teachers. Publications include strategy books with suggested lessons and questions for teachers to use with their students, assessment inventories, record keeping forms, parent involvement materials, inservice materials, blackline masters, and a certified trainers' kit. SUM addresses National Educational Goals 3 and 5.

Evidence of Effectiveness Pretest and posttest data on a variety of mathematics achievement tests between 1987 and 1990 upheld validation studies done in 1980 and 1985. After one year of SUM instruction, students scored at significantly higher levels than would be expected by the test norms. Supplementary evidence included teacher questionnaires which showed that the SUM Program training was effective in influencing teachers to make the instructional changes recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Student attitude surveys showed that students demonstrated positive attitudes toward mathematics. The program has been adopted in 43 states.

Requirements Teachers trained in the use of SUM teaching methods, the SUM manuals, and manipulative materials. The program may be implemented by a teacher, a school, or a school district. Student gains are evaluated with the adopter's assessment instruments.

Costs Implementation costs include a two-day workshop ($300/day plus expenses), participant materials (negotiable--approximately $105/participant), and follow-up technical assistance.

Services Awareness materials are available. Visitors are welcome by appointment. Training is available at the adopter's site. Follow-up workshops are tailored to meet teacher's needs. Ongoing consultant service is provided on site or by telephone.

Contact

Kathleen Bullington, Des Moines Public Schools, 1800 Grand Avenue, Room 343, Des Moines, IA 50309. (515) 242-7860, FAX (515) 242-7860.

Developmental Funding: USDOE.
PEP No. 80-55R3 (4/1/94)

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[Sound Foundations]

[Calculator Assisted Mathematics for Everyday Living (CAMEL)]