Mathematics History Test
No mathematics history tests relevant to mathematics teachers were found during an exhaustive literature search. A Mathematics History Test that contains mathematics history items relevant to K-12 instruction was created. To assure reliability and eliminate subjectivity in coding of the responses to the history test, closed response questions were chosen. The history questions were written and formatted to reflect the most important elements from the historical development of K-12 mathematics. The items were constructed so that knowledge of the precise dates that historical events occurred was not necessary. For example, on questions that require the respondent to identify the time period of an important development, the answer choices have very broad ranges of years (no less than a 400 year time span per answer choice). Also, the chronological ordering items were chosen very specifically, so that if the respondent understands the development of these concepts, then they must know which event came first. Many clues and a picture are given on items that require the respondent to identify a famous mathematician. Each item was specifically crafted to be closed response and yet test the understanding of a significant portion of the historical development of K-12 mathematics.