Fosnot and Dolk focus on how children in grades 5-8 construct their knowledge of fractions, decimals and percent.  Their book describes and illustrates what learning math means; contrasts word problems with true problematic situations that support investigations and inquiry, and offers strategies for turning classrooms into workshops.

The authors also explore how children develop ideas and strategies for fractions, decimals and their equivalents and they describe how to strengthen performance and portfolio assesment.