A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of High School Mathematics Textbooks of Two Types of Student Learning

University Of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia MO

Investigators

Abstract

The project evaluates high school students' mathematics learning from textbooks embodying two distinct approaches to content organization: an integrated approach (Core Plus) and a subject-specific approach (students follow an Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II sequence). The study will be conducted in schools using both approaches but with different groups of students. Student learning over a two-year period will be tracked using standardized measures of achievement along with specially designed measures to assess depth of knowledge, skills acquisition, conceptual development, and disposition toward mathematics. The study involves over 3000 students with project classes randomly chosen from a large pool. The extent to which curricula are implemented in each classroom will be carefully assessed and subsequently used in data analyses that examine student learning under each approach to content.