Mental Computation Competence Across Years 3 to 10

Mental computation is an important aspect of numeracy. There is little information available, however, about appropriate sequences of learning, or what can be expected of students in different years. The responses of 3035 students in years 3 to 10 to linked tests of mental computation were placed on a single scale using Rasch modelling techniques. An eight level scale of mental computation development was identified, and student achievement across the years was mapped onto these levels. The findings and their implications for the classroom are discussed.