Are Mathematics Manipulatives being used in schools. If so how? If not why not?

Mathematics manipulative materials may be found in every school. As part of a larger research project involving the use of mathematics manipulative materials in Western Australian schools a survey of their use was sent to all Primary and Middle Years schools; a comprehensive literature review was carried out, teachers were interviewed individually and as part of focus groups and school visits were made. Data were collected, collated and general trends noted. This paper reports on how mathematics manipulative materials are being used in schools in Western Australia.