Saturday, May 2, 2009

Singapore Math in US

While there is much be learned from examining Singapore mathematics syllabi (not standards) and also by looking at Singapore pedagogy, as noted in my last post, there is NO evidence that the Singapore approach can lead to higher achievement in America.  The US department of Education has now confirmed that no such evidence exists.  

No studies of Singapore Math that fall within the scope of the Middle School Math review protocol meet What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence standards. The lack of studies meeting WWC evidence standards means that, at this time, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions based on research about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of Singapore Math.


2 comments:

  1. I think you may have missed the following note on the WWC site (emphasis mine):

    5 This review refers to studies of Singapore Math in middle school or junior high school. Studies of Singapore Math conducted in elementary school or high school were out of the scope of the Middle School Math protocol.


    Singapore Math, as it is called in the U.S., typically refers to the widely used Primary Mathematics series. Studies regarding the effectiveness of this elementary program have not been reviewed.

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  2. Thanks, Cassy, for noting that.

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