Algebra I Extra Light
April 10, 2013
If you just require students to take higher math without preparation, you don't improve results. This is the shocking revelation this week documented at Ed Week in "Study: Middle School Algebra Push Yields Minimal Performance Gains"
Here are the facts on the increase:
•In 1990 only 16% of 8th graders enrolled in Algebra I
•in 2011 47% of 8th graders reported taking Algebra i
Here are the facts on performance for the states that had the sharp increase versus those that did not:
•States that did NOT increase enrollment improved 9.2 points on NAEP
•States that did increase enrollment only improved 5.2 points on NAEP
You cannot force improved performance. If you want more students to take Algebra i in the 8th grade, give them the increased rigor in the classroom starting in elementary school that will create greater confidence in math and make sure they, and their parents, understand the importance of taking Algebra I early so that they are set up for college in STEM.
On April 10, 2013 in General by NMSI Author
If you just require students to take higher math without preparation, you don't improve results. This is the shocking revelation this week documented at Ed Week in "Study: Middle School Algebra Push Yields Minimal Performance Gains"
Here are the facts on the increase:
•In 1990 only 16% of 8th graders enrolled in Algebra I
•in 2011 47% of 8th graders reported taking Algebra i
Here are the facts on performance for the states that had the sharp increase versus those that did not:
•States that did NOT increase enrollment improved 9.2 points on NAEP
•States that did increase enrollment only improved 5.2 points on NAEP
You cannot force improved performance. If you want more students to take Algebra i in the 8th grade, give them the increased rigor in the classroom starting in elementary school that will create greater confidence in math and make sure they, and their parents, understand the importance of taking Algebra I early so that they are set up for college in STEM.