Body
America’s role in global competition and economic success is very much tied up with America’s success in science and technology. We have known this for many years and yet we have not developed the intellectual readiness necessary to participate in the world scene. We need to do better and especially we need to do better in subjects like mathematics which is one of the important tools when it comes to technology.
Research done through the University of California, Irvine and supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, examined what progress could be made by utilizing software that stressed students working on their own; an individualized mathematics software used in second through fifth grades. This research took place in 52 randomly assigned schools, and was reported in the paper, Changes in Test Scores in Response to Math Intervention.
The purpose of the paper was to report on the effect of the software, ST Math on second through fifth grade students. The results were determined by using longitudinal data and hierarchical linear model analyses of students from those 52 schools. Overall, the analyses showed a significant effect of ST Math on the mathematics scores of the students. In fact the effect is larger for students who began the work with a higher deficiency in mathematics. The software was seen bringing subpar third grade students past the point of proficiency by their second year with the program. These results are important when considering both the efforts on students to improve their mathematics scores, and schools when dealing with their No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability.
Discussion
The report indicates that the evidence shows that ST Math is capable of producing positive change in scores for second through fifth grade students. The report also indicates:
- Progress seen by non-proficient students is heartening news.
- Progress for at-risk students is good for schools who are dealing with NCLB’s timelines.
- It is also noteworthy that the software is relatively low-cost with low-time investment.
- Schools with low resources could participate with this software.
The research also recognized the importance and implications of being able to bring sub proficient students to a point beyond proficiency. For the past 10 years there has been an effort to have students participate at a competency level in higher-level mathematics. Educators have favored de-tracking philosophies and programs to help transition students from remedial to college preparatory classes. It has been unclear how effective these efforts were. But the research with ST Math shows the possibility those students who reach proficiency earlier in their academic career may be better able to handle higher mathematics.
As the report summarizes: “ST Math’s small step approach to progression through foundational math concepts may help fill a gap in student learning. A firmer foundation may provide the basis for learning higher math, within or outside the confines defined by the current content standards.”
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