Short class periods in mathematics, instituted for whatever practical or philosophical reason, should be seriously questioned. Of special concern are the 30-35 minute class periods for mathematics being implemented in some middle schools. Textbooks that devote major attention to review and that address little new content each year should be avoided, or their use should be heavily supplemented. It is important to note that opportunity to learn is related to equity issues. Some educational practices differentially affect particular groups of students' opportunity to learn.
Girls take fewer computer science and computer design courses than do boys.
Furthermore, boys often use computers to program and solve problems, whereas girls tend to use the computer primarily as a word processor. As technology is used in the mathematics classroom, teachers must assign tasks and responsibilities to students in such a way that both boys and girls have active learning experiences with the technological tools employed. Focusing instruction on the meaningful development of important mathematical ideas increases the level of student learning. Emphasize the mathematical meanings of ideas, including how the idea, concept or skill is connected in multiple ways to other mathematical ideas in a logically consistent and sensible manner. Create a classroom learning context in which students can construct meaning.