h:\doc\web\2000\02\japnmath.txt
Date sent:      	16 Feb 2000 11:32:26 -0800
From:           	"Mike McKeown" <mike_mckeown@qm.salk.edu>
Subject:        	Asian Math Books
To:             	"Mike" <mck@fission.salk.edu>


                      Subject:                              Time:  10:43 AM
  OFFICE MEMO         Asian Math Books                      Date:  2/16/00


Mathematically Correct often hears from parents, school board members
and members of the press who have been told that Asian math programs
are similar to programs such as MathLand, Quest2000,
Investigations/TERC, Connected Math, IMP, CPM or Core Plus.  A simple
way to counter this argument is to show others the actual books used
in Japan (translated into English) or Singapore (originally written
in English).  Note that these books are inexpensive enough that most
parents can afford them, and most board members need not feel guilty
about using d istrict resources to purchase them.  At these costs a
district could get the math programs used in the countries with top
TIMSS scores for less than most American programs.


If you are interested, the Japanese grade 7-9 textbooks are available
from the University of Chicago School Math Project at 773-702-9770 or
e-mail ucsmp@cicero.uchicago.edu .  Individual books cost $19.  The
practice books that many Japanese students purchase are not included
in this cost and are not available from this source.


If you are interested in the math programs used in Singapore try
http://www.singaporemath.com/.  Books come in one semester sets.
Each year uses two sets, for example grade 4 is 3B and 4A (for
slightly lower level students) or 4A and 4B (for slightly higher
level students).  Each set contains th e text book and two work books
for $18.50. 




This site also contains a table of contents for each book.  As an
example of the material covered, I include the contents from 4A and
4B at the end of this message.


Mike McKeown
Mathematically Correct


CONTENTS - 4A


                1. Whole Numbers 


Numbers to 100 000
Rounding off Numbers
Factors
Multiples


                2. Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers 


Multiplication by a 1-digit Number
Division by a 1-digit Number and by 10
Multiplication by a 2-digit Number


                    REVIEW A


                3. Fractions 


Adding Fractions
Subtracting Fractions
Mixed Numbers
Improper Fractions
Fraction of a Set


                    REVIEW B


                4. Tables and Graphs 


Presenting Data


                5. Angle 


Measuring Angles


                6. Perpendicular and Parallel Lines 


Perpendicular Lines
Parallel Lines


                7. Area and Perimeter 


Rectangles and Squares
Composite Figures


                    REVIEW C




CONTENTS - 4B


                 1. Decimals 


Tenths
Hundredths
Thousandths
Rounding off


                     REVIEW A


                 2. The Four Operations of Decimals 


Addition and Subtraction
Multiplication
Division


                     REVIEW B


                 3. Measures 


Multiplication
Division


                 4. Symmetry 


 Symmetric Figures


                     REVIEW C                  


                 5. Solid Figures 


 Identifying Solid Figures


                 6. Volume 


Cubic Units
Volume of a Cuboid


                     REVIEW D