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What is this study assessing?
By implementing the Citizen Math lessons and professional development at a larger number of schools and in diverse settings, we aim to assess the impact of a) Citizen Math lessons on students’ academic outcomes and attitudes, and b) Citizen Math professional learning supports at scale.
Back to topHow will the study be conducted?
This is a two-year study that will begin Summer 2023. In it, participating 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math teachers will be assigned by lottery to Cohort 1 (schools that use Citizen Math in 2023–24 and 2024–25) and Cohort 2 (schools using Citizen Math after the study, 2025-26 and 2026-27). All teachers in a school building will belong to the same cohort.
During the years of the study, teachers in Cohort 1 will participate in professional learning to build capacity using the Citizen Math approach and will integrate a minimum of six (6) Citizen Math lessons throughout each year of the study as a supplement or replacement to traditional math lessons. Teachers in Cohort 2 will carry out their typical approach to math instruction. All participating teachers will complete quarterly instructor logs and administer two student surveys a year; Cohort 1 teachers will complete a survey after each lesson and submit signups from trainings and meetings. Districts will provide administrative demographic and achievement data.
We are still enrolling schools; those schools will attend a virtual training in January 2024.
Back to topWhat is required to participate?
This study is comparing outcomes at the school level, not the individual teacher level. Therefore, full math department participation is ideal.
Either a school district or individual school will sign an Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) committing to the study and all participating teachers will sign consent forms.
Below is a table of study requirements for participating Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 teacher and schools during the years of the study:
Cohort 1 teachers:
- Participate in Citizen Math professional learning and ongoing support meeting, and submit signups
- Implement at least six (6) Citizen Math lessons in any order and manner that fits your instruction each year of study
- Complete a survey after each lesson
- Complete brief quarterly instructional logs
- Administer a student survey once a year
Cohort 2 teachers:
- Complete quarterly instructional logs
- Administer a student survey once a year
All districts:
- Provide administrative demographic and achievement data
What support or training is provided to teachers teaching these lessons?
Citizen Math provides all the lessons and the lessons include teacher guides and student materials. Teachers are also supported in using the materials through professional development activities and an on-line community.
Back to topHow do students complete the lessons?
Active, collaborative learning is a central focus of Citizen Math and the lessons are intentionally designed for students to complete together in small groups.
Students can complete the lessons electronically or the lesson sheets can be printed for students to complete manually. Lessons are available on Citizen Math’s website. All participating schools will receive access to their full suite of lessons, accompanying instructional materials, and instructor guides on the Citizen Math website.
Back to topWhen should I use the lessons?
You may select the lessons you want to use and when you would like to use them.The lessons are organized and presented in such a way to help teachers decide when to use them. They are categorized by grade level for grades 6 – 8, Algebra I, and Algebra II. Each lesson lists math objectives, alignment to the Common Core standards and mathematical practices, and an indicator of the amount of background or preparation students need for the lesson.
There are a minimum of six lessons that must be completed over the course of the year for the study, and they may be used in addition to or in replacement of your traditional lessons.
Back to topHow long do the lessons take?
On average, lessons are designed to take 60 to 90 minutes, and can be easily stretched across two class periods.
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