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Mathematics

RAND has explored, among other math-related topics, mathematics curricula in primary education and the role of mathematics in innovation, e.g., in the evaluation of new medical technologies or the development of methodologies such as game theory.

Journal Article

Journal Article

Heterogeneous Effects of Early Algebra Across California Middle Schools

In this paper, we argue that, in order to understand the effects of 8th-grade algebra courses, it is essential to explicitly model cross-school variation in the effects of course exposure.

Mar 6, 2020
Blog

Science Met Art in Early Data Visualization at RAND

Ivan Finkle, a computer scientist at RAND from 1957 to 1968, used a plotter printer to make Lissajous figures. He fed equations into the computer to give the coordinates of each point. The printer photographed the result and compiled the lines into artful shapes.

Jan 4, 2019
Report

How Well Do Math Teachers Follow Common Core State Standards?

Teachers are eager to engage their students in Common Core State Standards for mathematics if they have the knowledge and tools they need to do so. They need access to high-quality instructional materials and help in distinguishing whether these materials are aligned with the standards.

Aug 9, 2018
Journal Article

Journal Article

Examining the Implementation of Technology-Based Blended Algebra I Curriculum at Scale

This article examines the implementation of a widely used blended algebra curriculum and the relationship between implementation and student outcomes.

Dec 28, 2016
Report

Estimated Popular Vote Totals for the Presidential Election

Researchers used the RAND Presidential Election Panel Survey to estimate the popular vote in the U.S. election and determine which candidate Americans think will win.

Nov 1, 2016
Report

Are Teachers Prepared to Help Students Meet Common Core State Standards for Mathematics?

In a survey of the American Teacher Panel, most mathematics educators reported familiarity with Common Core state standards and believed they were moderately or well prepared to help their students meet them.

Oct 27, 2016
Report

Voters' Support for Key Issues Changed

Voters' opinions of both major-party candidates remain low, but their attitudes on two issues have shifted. Support for building a fence along the Mexican border has decreased while support for providing a legal way for illegal immigrants already in the United States to become citizens has increased.

Oct 12, 2016
Report

American Voters Are United in Dissatisfaction with Their Choices

Clinton and Trump supporters disagree on many topics. But they are united in their dissatisfaction with the candidates. Data show that if Americans could vote against the candidates, many would do so.

Sep 28, 2016
Report

Report

Mathematics Audit of the DoDEA Schools: 2014–2015

This report is an audit of the then-current Department of Defense Education Activity mathematics program, built around standards established in 2009, to help prepare for a transition to Common Core State Standards, which began in 2014--2015.

Aug 10, 2016
Report

How Might Clinton and Trump Fare in the General Election?

Data from primary season suggest that Hillary Clinton will likely succeed in uniting her supporters and in-party castaways during the general election. Donald Trump may face a more challenging situation.

Jul 18, 2016
Report

Americans Are More Ideologically Similar Than Different

Despite the increasingly polarized tone of U.S. politics, most Americans answer similarly on most questions of political belief.

Jun 19, 2016
Journal Article

Journal Article

Factors Associated with Alignment Between Teacher Survey Reports and Classroom Observation Ratings of Mathematics Instruction

We investigated the alignment between a teacher survey self-report measure and classroom observation measure of ambitious mathematics instructional practice among teachers in two urban school districts using two different standards-based mathematics curricula.

Mar 14, 2016
Report

Assessing Threats with Soft, Uncertain, and Conflicting Evidence

Part of thwarting terrorist attacks is observing suspicious individuals over time with diverse means. These observations provide data that are often both complex and “soft.” How can analysts combine these data to form a realistic threat assessment?

Feb 1, 2016
Journal Article

Journal Article

Mathematics Teacher Development in the Context of District Managed Curriculum

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the viability of a conceptual framework for analyzing mathematics instruction and mathematics teacher development within the context of policies regarding district-wide adoption of curriculum.

Jun 2, 2015
Q&A

The Statistician Is In: Q&A with Marc Elliott

Statistician Marc Elliott talks about the real-world impact his work has had, how his discipline lets him “play in everyone else's sandbox,” and more.

Apr 17, 2015
Report

Report

Identification and Analysis of Technology Emergence Using Patent Classification

This report describes a new approach to identifying and evaluating technological emergence by analyzing connections among different technology areas using the definitions of technology areas set forth by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Sep 17, 2014
Journal Article

Journal Article

Effectiveness of Cognitive Tutor Algebra I at Scale

This article examines the effectiveness of a technology-based algebra curriculum in a wide variety of middle schools and high schools in seven states.

Jun 1, 2014
Blog

Cognitive Tutor: Encouraging Signs for Computers in the Classroom

A first-year algebra curriculum that blends tutoring software with conventional textbook learning had a positive effect for high school algebra students. Researchers found significant improvements—a change equivalent to moving from the 50th percentile to the 58th on an algebra posttest.

Nov 19, 2013
Research Brief

Does an Algebra Course with Tutoring Software Improve Student Learning?

A “blended” approach that combines traditional textbook learning and computer-based instruction could help improve performance among algebra students.

Nov 18, 2013
Commentary

The Limits of Career and Technical Education in Improving Math Achievement Among High School Students

Students who had taken occupationally focused career and technical education (CTE) courses in addition to their regular academic courses had similar learning gains to those who had only taken academic courses: an academic curriculum that includes CTE courses neither bolstered nor curtailed the acquisition of math skills.

Jun 19, 2013

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RAND Topic:
Mathematics

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