ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the development of the Family Maths Project in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and discusses some of the research and evaluation currently being undertaken particularly in relation to girls and mathematics at the primary school level. Pre-schools in the ACT are part of the government system of education, and are geographically located adjacent to neighbourhood primary schools. The Family Maths Project Australia (FAMPA) is based on the belief that attitudes towards mathematics can be improved for all children by encouraging the family to be a base for learning mathematical skills and for demonstrating the importance of mathematics. FAMPA provides a model of parent and school co-operation, which assists schools in meeting the needs of the local school community. Evaluation is an integral part of FAMPA's growth and development in the ACT, at both school and in-service levels. The growing demand in the ACT for FAMPA in-service and inschool programmes indicates that the project is fulfilling a need.
