How can we improve the basic math skills of students and increase achievement in standardized tests.
David Ward
Masters in Education
Needs Assessment
The rationale for this study derives from a distinct discrepancy between the students’ high standardized scores in Math and their low achievement in Math Fact scores.
RPE students achieve well above average in both the district and state in the standardized scores. In Mathematics, 95% of 3rd graders, 95% of 4th graders and 99% of 5th Graders met standards on the TAKS test for 2010. However, in district Math Facts scores, only 17% of 3rd graders and 67% of 4th graders met standards. In lower grades similar gaps are found when analyzing basic math skills, such as addition facts. Moreover, teachers often express concern for the ability of their students to perform basic math skills.
Objectives and Vision of the action research project
The action research project aims to investigate the question of how the school can improve the performance of its student’s basic math skills. Through establishing a Math Improvement Committee we will investigate possibilities for intervention and develop an action plan, track its progress and assess its outcomes. Through the process of action research we will explore basic Math skills and improve instruction and student achievement.
In line with the school’s CIP goal of increasing student performance in the district’s standardized tests by: the following goals and objectives have been set by the Math Improvement Committee:
Review of the Literature and Action Research Strategy
There is extensive research on the various ways and techniques for teaching basic math skills. The math Process Standards highlighted in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000) and the National Research Council’s Strands of mathematical Proficiency explained in Adding It Up have promoted a shift in instruction to move beyond rote procedural knowledge. The recently drafted Common Core State Standards (CCSS) continue to add to these processes and proficiencies with eight Mathematical Practices, stating that best practice for math instruction should based within conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning (CCSSI 2010). The Math Improvement Committee have committed to developing instruction that not only includes rote practice, but promotes numerical understanding and reasoning. We shall use this principals and processes to guide our planning.
References
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Reston , VA
Articulate the Vision
The vision for this project was initiated in a meeting with the principal whilst we examined school data. This was then taken to the faculty where a committee was formed to discuss math improvement. As the project develops each team member will communicate with staff and students. Further faculty meetings together with parent meetings will ensure the vision of the project is shared with all stakeholders.
Manage the organization
Organization of the project will be shared by the committee. I share the lead of the meetings with two other key members: the principal and Kristin Ann (Masters Graduate Student). We hold the joint responsibility for managing the project; however the principal has overall authority on decision making. All data concerning students will be held in the strictest confidence.
Manage Operations
Initially, the principal managed the operations of the Math Improvement Committee. Following our third session I took the lead and held a collaborative session to discuss the data and set targets for improvement. Building consensus took a lot of the meeting and decisions were hard to make. Going forward I intend to approach the meeting with clearer options and defined proposals to narrow the field of our discussions and aid decision making. Conflict is managed through open discussion and exploration.
Respond to Community Interest and Needs
Any action taken by the committee will ensure the needs of all students are met. Accommodations and modifications will be made to incorporate all students. Data will be taken and analyzed to ensure all groups have the same opportunities to succeed through the project.
