Since 2003, more than 4.3 million students, parents and teachers have participated annually in a research-based project called "Everyday Mathematics." As part of a program created by a group of authors at the University of Chicago School of Mathematics, "Everyday Mathematics" is a textbook curriculum for elementary school students in grades Pre-K through six.The concept for "Everyday Mathematics"
. is that it is an ongoing development, starting nearly 20 years. The first edition was printed from 1988 to 1996, followed by the second and third (2007) editions. The purpose of the project was to formulate a framework and procedures that could give students a strong foundation during their years of elementary education. The authors conducted research in several different countries in order to determine the techniques that were working best throughout the world.The project authors and administrators, led by Max Bell, instituted a system of field-testing for the project by offering a series of mathematics workbooks and teaching resources to schools and parents throughout the United States. The components of the educational materials are: "Everyday Mathematics" paper workbooks, virtual community settings, access to video tutorials from real classrooms, discussion forums and resource sharing.Teaching aids include: a catalogue of supplies related to the project, lists of literature, pacing guides; games; assessment and planning tools; and technical support to strengthen teaching methods as well as the learning process for students. Also, the university's Center for Mathematics and Science Education provides services to help teachers with strategic planning in order to coordinate the operation of the program with local school board requirements.So far, the project as received favorable reactions for the most part. Many parents and teachers appreciate the fact that textbooks are available to accompany online versions for reference anytime and anywhere. "Everyday Mathematics" is a New Math design, intended to give students a deeper understanding of mathematics principles and underlying concepts involving various ways to make computations. However, some parents and students, especially homeschooled children, tend to prefer more traditional techniques for performing certain calculations.Persons who are interested in learning more about the University of Chicago project and mathematics programs should visit the project website or the publisher's site.More reference links: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/ http://everydaymathsuccess.com/
