Mathematics Curriculum Evaluation Framework
Abstract
In this paper, we present a framework for evaluating commercially developed mathematics programs. This framework is based on principles of instructional design derived from a Direct Instruction approach to education. Given the role that instructional programs play in the classroom, especially for teachers who have not been well prepared to teach mathematics, the quality of commercially developed mathematics programs needs to be closely scrutinized. The Mathematics Curriculum Evaluation Framework outlined here is designed to help teachers evaluate mathematics programs to select new programs or modify the mathematics programs available to them. While this framework is not exhaustive, it will give teachers a focus for their curriculum evaluation efforts and will also help teachers identify areas in mathematics programs that can be easily modified. Finally, this framework can serve as the first stage in the development of a reliable and valid curriculum evaluation instrument for determining the quality of commercially developed mathematics programs. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
