algebra preparedness for higher achievement challenging courses & curricula: implementing...

Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement

Challenging Courses & Curricula: Implementing Research –

Project ALPHACAMSP Learning Network

Sacramento, CA

October 14, 2009


Project ALPHA

• Math in grades 3-Algebra I

• Research Cohort:– Phase I: 2004-2008– Phase II: 2008-2011

• El Rancho USD & CSU Fullerton– Pico Rivera (eastern LA County)– Approx. 11,000 students


Challenging Courses & Curricula

• “Within” courses:– Balanced, standards-based instruction– Teacher content knowledge, coaching

• “Into” and “Between” courses:– Can we increase the proportion of students

entering college-prep level classes and at the same time improve the quality of instruction and level of achievement?


Project Interventions• Heightened awareness of course-taking

patterns among…– Teachers (“Paths through the Curriculum”)– Students and parents (A-G requirements)

• Preparation at lower grade levels• Coordination with Math Council and

administrators• Instruction that supports “borderline”

students


Course-Taking Indicators• Increase percentage of students

enrolled in college prep sequence early in HS:– 9th grade: Algebra I– 10th grade: Geometry– 11th grade: Algebra II

• Reduction in 9th-graders taking Math A• Reduction in 11th and 12th–graders still

taking Algebra 1


“Quality” Indicators

• Classroom Instruction:– Classroom observation scores

• Percentage of students at proficient or advanced level on CST’s


Measurement Methods• Transcript study:

– Eagle Query: Summarize highest course attempted

• California Standards Tests (CST’s):– Percent taking test (GM, Alg I, Geo, etc.)– Percent proficient and advanced

• Classroom observations:– RTOP protocol in Years 1 & 3


Transcript Data

• Eagle Query:LIST STU SEC MST CRS TCH STU.SN STU.LN STU.FN STU.GR MST.SM CRS.CN CRS.CO TCH.TE IF CRS.CN : "MA“

• Highest course attempted each year


9th-11th Grade Enrollment

2003-2004 2008-2009

9th – Algebra I or higher

74%

(N =888)

85%

(N=817)

10th – Geometry or higher

41%

(N=701)

60%

(N=843)

11th – Algebra II or higher

39%

(N=608)

58%

(N=695)


12th-Grade Enrollment

2003-2004 2008-2009

Finishing Algebra I

34% 7%

Pre-calculus or higher

24% 34%

N 447 568


CST: Tests Taken

2004 CST 2009 CST

9th Grade:

Gen Math

Algebra I

Geometry

52%

30%

14%

30%

38%

29%


CST: Percent Adv and Proficient

2004 CST 2009 CST

9th Grade:

Gen Math

Algebra I

Geometry

9%

6%

41%

5%

28%

40%


Work in Progress• 2009-2010:

– All middle schools – 8th-grade geometry– Phase out Math A (General Math)– Phase out alternate Geometry & Alg II– Escalante summer program: 9th graders now in

Algebra II and Pre-Calculus

• Continue building content knowledge and instructional capacity

• On-going discussion of course-taking: administrators, teachers and parents


Questions?

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