The Association Between the Use of Accelerated Math and Students Math Achievement


Book Description

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between time spent on a computer managed integrated learning system entitled Accelerated Math and traditional mathematics instruction on achievement as measured by standardized achievement tests of elementary school students. The variables of ability level, special education, grade, socioeconomic status, gender, classroom teacher, school attended, and degree of implementation were also considered. The population consisted of 542 students who were sixth, seventh, and eighth graders during the 2003-2004 school year and took the TerraNova each year. Data were gathered that covered the three-year period beginning in 2001 and ending in 2004. A t test for independent samples, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to identify the relationship between variables. The researchers investigation of the relationship between Accelerated Math use and mathematics achievement might assist educators in planning for use of technology as a supplement to traditional instruction. The information gathered from this research might be beneficial to other school systems seeking information on the relationship between a computermanaged integrated learning system and math achievement. The findings in this study were mixed. The use of Accelerated Math was associated with no effects and negative effects depending on the degree of implementation. The findings indicated that there were measurable differences in the performance of students who received Accelerated Math compared to students who did not receive Accelerated Math. Students who did not receive Accelerated Math had higher overall scores than students participating in the intervention. The study indicated that gender, special education, and ability groups did not have a significant interaction with the intervention (participation in Accelerated Math). The research revealed that there was a socioeconomic status interaction intervention with prof.







The Effects of Accelerated Mathematics on Self-Efficacy and Growth Mindset


Book Description

Student's educational investment decisions are influenced by their beliefs about the returns to study effort and their chances of academic success. This highlights the importance of studying the effects of school policies on students' beliefs about their ability to learn and achieve. To this end, we examine the effects of accelerated math on students' self-efficacy and growth mindset, using survey measures of these beliefs. We argue, based on economic theory, that effects on growth mindset should be considered as more important relative to those on self-efficacy. We examine the effects of accelerated math empirically using a difference-in-differences design and find negative effects on both belief measures. However, the effects on growth mindset are much smaller, and in some analyses indistinguishable from zero, although these effects are larger in magnitude for female students. In exploring potential mechanisms, we find accelerated math leads to a precipitous drop in math course grades, with no similar drop in math test performance. Our findings suggest that there may be negative effects of acceleration on important student beliefs, but these effects appear modest. Our work motivates further study of the information environment surrounding these students at the time of acceleration.




Raising Champions


Book Description

Educational title for gifted and advanced learners.