Education has always been and will continue to be the key that unlocks doors of opportunity and success for all. Our national test scores, over the last several decades, reveal that a majority of America's students are failing to meet academic benchmarks and standards, thus limiting the possibilities for opportunity. Mathematics, in particular, has proven to be a struggle for students. Based on national data, it does not seem that students are learning the concepts needed for a comprehensive background in mathematics. Furthermore, these concepts must be taught in a way that allows students to build upon those ideas as they progress through grades K-12. Fraction and decimal numbers are part of the rational number system. Students often have a hard time understanding the magnitude of these numbers, where they lie in relation to other numbers, and how to reason with these types of numbers. Research indicates that a strong foundation in fractional concepts at the elementary level is a crucial prerequisite for math success in middle and high school. This study delves into strategies and solutions for classroom instruction to help educators present material in a way that develops student understanding of the rational number system to set the stage for later success and opportunity. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]