Project RIII.2
Linking the NCTM Standards to Emerging Vocationalism

Project Directors:

• L. Allen Phelps and Victor M. Hernández, University of Wisconsin (Year 1 of 2)

Keywords:

• skill standards
• integration
• mathematics

This two-year project will examine the nature and character of efforts to integrate mathematics/vocational education learning initiatives in secondary schools and postsecondary institutions which have adopted the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). During the first year, promising sites will be identified to produce new insights regarding the links between vocational education and mathematics-integrated learning and teaching experiences occurring in both school- and work-based settings, based on NCTM standards. During the second and third semesters of the project, case studies of five to six programs with significant integration efforts representing different geographical distribution (e.g., urban, rural, and suburban) will be conducted to study the effectiveness of applied models of integration and different curriculum materials at both the secondary and postsecondary levels. Our approach will be based on collaborative research where researchers and teachers work closely in partnership.

This project will be a joint undertaking of the Center on Education and Work and the National Center for Research on Mathematical Sciences Education.

Deliverables

The major products of the project will include the following:

1. Detailed case studies of four innovative programs/initiatives in which the NCTM Standards are being used
2. A "national agenda" document produced by project participants in collaboration with the National Steering Group and project staff
3. An evaluation report of curriculum materials being used on effective mathematics integration
4. A set of guidelines for staff development on mathematics integration outlined by project participants in consultation with National Steering Group and project staff
5. A videotape featuring key aspects of selected NCTM/vocational education integrated programs

Other deliverables will include the following: conference presentations; conference papers; literature review; journal articles; texts of paper presentations; evaluation of promising programs; telephone and mail surveys; and instruments for program evaluation, interviews, and surveys.

No major dissemination activities are planned for 1995.

NCRVE Home | Agenda Contents | Previous | Next | Index