ADDENDUM
NAME OF GRANT: Maximizing Instruction in Mathematics with Alternative Teaching
Help (Maximizing Instruction in MATH)
PARTICIPANTS:
RCAS, Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science
Education (CAMSE), Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
(BHSSC)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
An emerging body of research suggests that expanding instructional time is an effective
approach for improving student learning (e.g., Marcotte and Hansen, 2010). Many
school districts in South Dakota, like elsewhere in the U.S., provide extra mathematics
instruction as an intervention to close achievement gaps and to enable struggling
students to achieve proficiency on high-stakes tests.
This project, focused on the STEM discipline of Mathematics, would develop and test
two models for using increased instructional time in elementary mathematics.
Specifically, the efficacy of models that involve re-teaching and pre-teaching
approaches will be examined to address the NSF Challenge, How can all students be
assured the opportunity to learn significant STEM content? Using a multiple
cohort, cluster randomized trial research design, this project will examine the research
question: In what ways can the use of supplemental instructional time be
maximized to impact student learning in elementary mathematics?
Re-teaching models are commonly used for supplemental instruction, and focus on
reviewing concepts that have already been taught. Pre-teaching models, on the other
hand, provide extra instruction before the concepts have been introduced in the regular
classroom. The model to be developed will include research-based instructional
strategies that address the process and content objectives reflected in the Common
Core State Standards for Mathematics. Strategies explored for use in the models would
include small group work, questioning strategies, developing mathematical habits of
mind, and different ways to develop and enhance mathematical fluency, including the
use of instructional technology, such as games and simulations.
This project will develop, implement and test research-based instructional models to
maximize supplementary mathematics instruction including re-teaching and preteaching to assess their impact on student outcomes. The project will actively engage
and build capacity in all partner organizations represented by the PI and Co-PIs,
working closely with South Dakota schools and districts across the ESA 6 and 7
geographic boundaries. This project will build school capacity to implement these
models and contribute to a greater knowledge base regarding best practices for the field
related to the use of supplemental time in enhancing mathematics learning.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
Responsibilities of RCAS include:
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To support participation in prescribed research for classroom and
support teachers;
To allow classroom-based coaching and mentoring;
To allow classroom observations and assessment of effective
practices;
To participate in and make available results of student achievement
assessment; and
To participate in program evaluation and sharing of results among
colleagues at the regional, state and national level.
ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the board of education authorize the participation of interested
teachers of the Rapid City Area School district in the grant entitled: Maximizing
Instruction in Mathematics with Alternative Teaching Help (Maximizing Instruction in
MATH).
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATION FACT SHEET
1. Grant Application Project Title: Maximizing Instruction in Mathematics with
Alternative Teaching Help (Maximizing Instruction in MATH)
2. Funding Source and Amount Requested: National Science Foundation’s Discovery
Research K-12 program, amount to be determined by CAMSE.
3. Filing Date: 1-7-2012
4. Operating Dates: 2012-2013 School Year
5. Local Match: No local match is required.
6. Need Addressed: Providing extra mathematics instruction as an intervention to close
achievement gaps for struggling students.
7. After Funding Ceases: The district is under no obligation once the funding ends.
8. Participants:
Grant Applicant:
CAMSE
Date:
1-7-2012
Grant Officer:
CAMSE
Date:
1-7-2012
Program Supervisor: CAMSE
Date:
1-7-2012
Superintendent:
Date:
1-7-2012
Dr. Timothy Mitchell
9. Date of board approval: _________________________________________