Change in Peer Ability as a Mediator and Moderator of the Effect of the Algebra-For-All Policy on Ninth Graders' Math Outcomes

Change in Peer Ability as a Mediator and Moderator of the Effect of the Algebra-For-All Policy on Ninth Graders' Math Outcomes PDF Author: Guanglei Hong
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 10

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Book Description
A recent report by the Mathematics Advisory Panel referred to algebra as a "gateway" to later achievement (National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008). To address the problem of low academic performance in algebra, an increasing number of states and districts have started to implement a policy of requiring algebra for all students in ninth-grade or earlier. The rationale is that providing all students with an opportunity to learn algebra will likely improve math achievement across the board. However, the well-intended curricular policy may have unintended consequences for some students if the change of curricular offerings leads to a reorganization of all math classrooms in a school. To explain the negative effects of the policy that required algebra for all 9th grade students in Chicago Public Schools, the authors' causal questions focus on the mediating role of changes in peer ability composition induced by the policy. Specifically, the authors address the following research questions: (1) Did change in peer ability mediate the policy effects on student outcomes? (2) What would be the direct effects of the policy on student outcomes if schools did not change class composition? (3) Did the mediated effects (i.e., indirect effects) and the direct effects of the policy depend on the direction of change in peer ability for individual students? The analysis of pre-policy course-taking has shown that almost all 9th graders whose incoming math skills were higher than 0.5 standard deviations above the overall average took algebra in the absence of the policy. Hence the policy would not change these students' algebra enrollment. However, the results indicated that these same students would have experienced a decline in peer ability on average had they instead entered high school after 1997. Among students whose incoming math skills were no more than 0.5 standard deviations above the overall average, those who were more likely to take remedial math prior to the policy showed a higher likelihood of experiencing an increase in peer ability along with a change in course taking had they instead entered high school after 1997. The authors are currently conducting mediation analysis. References, and Tables and Figures are appended. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.).

Change in Peer Ability as a Mediator and Moderator of the Effect of the Algebra-For-All Policy on Ninth Graders' Math Outcomes

Change in Peer Ability as a Mediator and Moderator of the Effect of the Algebra-For-All Policy on Ninth Graders' Math Outcomes PDF Author: Guanglei Hong
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 10

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Book Description
A recent report by the Mathematics Advisory Panel referred to algebra as a "gateway" to later achievement (National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008). To address the problem of low academic performance in algebra, an increasing number of states and districts have started to implement a policy of requiring algebra for all students in ninth-grade or earlier. The rationale is that providing all students with an opportunity to learn algebra will likely improve math achievement across the board. However, the well-intended curricular policy may have unintended consequences for some students if the change of curricular offerings leads to a reorganization of all math classrooms in a school. To explain the negative effects of the policy that required algebra for all 9th grade students in Chicago Public Schools, the authors' causal questions focus on the mediating role of changes in peer ability composition induced by the policy. Specifically, the authors address the following research questions: (1) Did change in peer ability mediate the policy effects on student outcomes? (2) What would be the direct effects of the policy on student outcomes if schools did not change class composition? (3) Did the mediated effects (i.e., indirect effects) and the direct effects of the policy depend on the direction of change in peer ability for individual students? The analysis of pre-policy course-taking has shown that almost all 9th graders whose incoming math skills were higher than 0.5 standard deviations above the overall average took algebra in the absence of the policy. Hence the policy would not change these students' algebra enrollment. However, the results indicated that these same students would have experienced a decline in peer ability on average had they instead entered high school after 1997. Among students whose incoming math skills were no more than 0.5 standard deviations above the overall average, those who were more likely to take remedial math prior to the policy showed a higher likelihood of experiencing an increase in peer ability along with a change in course taking had they instead entered high school after 1997. The authors are currently conducting mediation analysis. References, and Tables and Figures are appended. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.).

Causality in a Social World

Causality in a Social World PDF Author: Guanglei Hong
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119030641
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 448

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Book Description
Causality in a Social World introduces innovative new statistical research and strategies for investigating moderated intervention effects, mediated intervention effects, and spill-over effects using experimental or quasi-experimental data. The book uses potential outcomes to define causal effects, explains and evaluates identification assumptions using application examples, and compares innovative statistical strategies with conventional analysis methods. Whilst highlighting the crucial role of good research design and the evaluation of assumptions required for identifying causal effects in the context of each application, the author demonstrates that improved statistical procedures will greatly enhance the empirical study of causal relationship theory. Applications focus on interventions designed to improve outcomes for participants who are embedded in social settings, including families, classrooms, schools, neighbourhoods, and workplaces.

The Unintended Consequences of an Algebra-for-All Policy on High-Skill Students

The Unintended Consequences of an Algebra-for-All Policy on High-Skill Students PDF Author: Takako Nomi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 20

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Book Description
The purpose of this study is to understand how a policy that provided college-prep coursework for low-skill students may affect instructional organization within schools, and how such effects on instructional organization may have unintended consequences on academic outcomes of high-skill students who were not targeted by the policy. The author and her colleagues focus on a ninth-grade algebra-for-all policy implemented in Chicago public schools (CPS) and address two research questions; (1) to what extent did a policy that required algebra for all students in ninth grade affect classroom academic composition?; and (2) for high-skill students who were not targeted by the policy, how did the policy affect their academic outcomes? The results showed potential challenges of a curricular policy of expanding a college-prep curriculum to all students: schools are likely to detrack math classrooms when the policy merely required them to eliminate remedial coursework, and this resulted in lower peer ability levels for high-skill students. Consequently, their test scores suffered from this policy. This study suggests that simply mandating a college-prep curriculum for all students is not sufficient enough to improve academic outcomes of all students. An appendix presents: Statistical Models to estimate the effect of an algebra-for-all policy on students' academic outcomes among high-skill students. (Contains 3 tables and 11 figures.).

The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform

The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform PDF Author: Frances R. Spielhagen
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807771821
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description
How can we increase mathematics achievement among all students? This book provides a straightforward explanation of how changing mathematics tracking policies to provide algebra instruction to all students by at least eighth grade can bring about changes in both student achievement and teacher performance. Spielhagen chronicles the success of a large school district that changed the way mathematics was delivered and increased success rates across all populations. Featuring interviews with students and teachers, the author shows how all stakeholders were brought into the process of changing policy from the ground up. Offering a model for success that can be replicated by other districts, this resource: Provides a comprehensive account of how mathematics policy that evolved in the United States over the last century has resulted in low math literacy among our population.Addresses the recommendations and counterpoints to the report of the National Mathematics Panel (2009).Includes real-life examples of how stakeholders responded to the policy change that revolutionized mathematics instruction in their district. Frances R. Spielhagen is associate professor of education and director of the Center for Adolescent Research and Development at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York. “Offers an ‘elegant solution’ to a compelling problem in American society that has global implications: Who should study algebra and when? The best-practices approach should be required reading for pre-service and in-service educators and administrators alike. Readers will recognize that preparing students to learn algebra by 8th grade is as much a right as learning to read. It is a right upon which our future depends.” —Susan G. Assouline, Professor of School Psychology, Associate Director, The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, The University of Iowa “Frances Spielhagen’s book offers a thoughtful and detailed response to one of the most important questions of our time—should all students take algebra in 8th grade? With impressive and thorough research, the author considers issues of teaching and learning, as well as curriculum and policy. For all those who care about the mathematical future of our nation’s children, this book is a must read.” —Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University, The School of Education “In The Algebra Solution to Mathematics Reform, Frances R. Spielhagen shows vividly and precisely how a public school system teaches children to master mathematics skills early—culminating in 8th grade algebra, a critical subject for high school graduation and college admission. Spielhagen’s book precisely demonstrates how to improve real sequential learning for students from the early grades to high school graduation, and successfully into college and life. Thus, this vital book has implications for instruction in all academic subjects, providing a living model for continuity and improvement of student learning.” —Bruce S. Cooper, Professor, Graduate School of Education, Fordham University

Algebra for All

Algebra for All PDF Author: Takako Nomi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Book Description
Algebra is often considered as a gateway for later achievement. A recent report by the Mathematics Advisory Panel (2008) underscores the importance of improving algebra learning in secondary school. Today, a growing number of states and districts require algebra for all students in ninth grade or earlier. Chicago is at the forefront of this movement. Many low-achieving students took remedial math before 1997 and the algebra-for-all policy immersed these students in academic coursework for the first time. Moreover, these low-achieving students experienced a rise in the ability levels of their classroom peers. However, this study suggests that simply requiring algebra is insufficient to improve their outcomes, even though students may benefit from having higher achieving peers in their classrooms. Overall, taking Algebra, instead of remedial math, would have no significant effect and this may be because students lack sufficient skills to handle algebra. Chicago subsequently implemented double-dose algebra to address this problem, and research showed that offering extended instructional time and instructional supports to teachers was successful in improving algebra learning of low achieving students (Nomi and Allensworth, 2009; 2010). Table and figures are appended.

Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8

Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309324882
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 587

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Book Description
Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

Weighting Methods for Assessing Policy Effects Mediated by Peer Change

Weighting Methods for Assessing Policy Effects Mediated by Peer Change PDF Author: Guanglei Hong
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 9

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Book Description
This study introduces a new set of weighting procedures for revealing the mediation mechanism in multi-level settings. These methods are illustrated through an investigation of whether the impact of a system-wide policy change on student outcomes is mediated by policy-induced peer composition change. When the policy changed not only lower-achieving students' course-taking but also the ability composition of math classes among other concurrent changes, unpacking the overall policy impact on math achievement is challenging. To illustrate, the causal questions focus on decomposing the total policy effect into the indirect effect mediated by peer composition change and the direct effect of the policy for the subpopulation of lower achieving students. Specifically, the authors ask: (1) Did the increase in peer ability mediate the policy effect on these students' math achievement? (2) Would the policy have a direct effect on these students' math achievement if their peer composition had remained unchanged by the policy? (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.).

Updating Algebra for All?

Updating Algebra for All? PDF Author: Shaun M. Dougherty
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 12

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Book Description
The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in North Carolina recently addressed the issue of advancement in and equitable access to advanced mathematics. Under a recent policy, WCPSS uses a SAS-generated predicted probabilities of students' success in obtaining a passing score on the NC Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) exam, to determine recommended course placement in grades 6 through 8. The authors examine the question: do students who are just eligible for advancement in mathematics in middle school and who participate in advanced mathematics lead to improved academic outcomes compared to students who just miss being eligible for advancement and who do not enroll in advanced mathematics? By focusing on the students on the margin of eligibility under this policy the authors use a regression-discontinuity design to estimate the causal impact of this mathematics acceleration policy on subsequent test scores, grades, and course-taking behavior of middle-school students in Wake County who were exposed to this policy. The results indicate that students on the margin of eligibility and who participate in advanced mathematics in middle school may experience negative effects as a result of being in a peer group of more advanced ability, on average. Tables and figures are appended.

The Impact of Ability Grouping on Ninth-grade Algebra Students in an Urban High School

The Impact of Ability Grouping on Ninth-grade Algebra Students in an Urban High School PDF Author: Sarah A. Valdez
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 120

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Book Description


Skill-Based Sorting in the Era of College Prep for All

Skill-Based Sorting in the Era of College Prep for All PDF Author: Takako Nomi
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780985681999
Category : Education, Secondary
Languages : en
Pages : 13

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Book Description