Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Core Plus Research

Core-Plus Mathematics is a four-year curriculum that replaces the traditional sequence with courses that each feature interwoven strands of algebra and functions, statistics and probability, geometry and trigonometry, and discrete mathematics. The first three courses in the series provide a common core of broadly useful mathematics, while the fourth continues the preparation of students for college mathematics and statistics courses. The curriculum emphasizes mathematical modeling, using technology to emphasize reasoning with multiple representations (verbal, numerical, graphical, and symbolic) and to focus on goals in which mathematical thinking and problem solving are central. Instructional materials promote active learning and teaching centered around collaborative small-group investigations of problem situations, followed by teacher-led whole-class summarizing activities that lead to analysis, abstraction, and further application of underlying mathematical ideas.

Research

One study of Core-Plus Mathematics that falls within the scope of the High School Mathematics review protocol meets What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) evidence standards with reservations. The one study included 1,050 high school students in 11 schools in multiple states.
Based on the one study, the WWC considers the extent of evidence for Core-Plus Mathematics on high school students to be small for math achievement.

Effectiveness

Core-Plus Mathematics was found to have potentially positive effects on mathematics achievement for high school students.

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