This article theorizes three major cognitive constructs that are operationally defined
by shared similarities of processing information in reading and mathematics. Specifically,
the paper (1) proposes and details the refinement and evaluation of components
of a conceptual model for reading to solve mathematical word problems
for elementary students, and (2) develops and refines the theoretical constructs of
the model. Our assumptions lay out the interrelationships of reading and mathematics
word problems by focusing on the cognitive components of Recognizing Higher
Level Patterns of Text Organization (R), Generating Patterns (G), and Attaining a Goal
(A). These assumptions are to refine and construct the RGA cognitive components
that could theoretically enhance elementary students’ reading and solution of mathematical
word problem-solving abilities.