Eric.ed.gov – ABE Math Standards Project. Formative Evaluation Report.

In May 1992, 22 Massachusetts mathematics educators who either teach or coordinate/direct adult basic education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) programs were recruited into a group called the Math Team. During their monthly business/training sessions in central Massachusetts, members worked on various individual and team activities, including review and adaptation of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards for adult learning environments and production of newsletter for adult educators called “The Problem Solver.” Team members were interviewed during the eighth month of the yearlong project to determine their attitudes toward the Math Team’s operation and effectiveness as a staff development activity. Interviewees credited the Math Team with improving their understanding of mathematics and ability to reach students, helping them gain energy and motivation from other team members, and improving their ability to teach other subjects besides mathematics. The team’s limited membership and the fact that team members receive monetary compensation for their participation were cited as factors contributing to its effectiveness as a staff development tool. (Attached are the first three issues of “The Problem Solver,” which contain information on NCTM standards and their revision, sample curricula, teaching materials, reviews, and announcements of upcoming events.) (MN)