UD Math launches expansive curricular study of middle school mathematics

UD Mathematics Professor Jinfa Cai and Marquette Prof. John Moyer have been awarded a $2.4 million, 5 year grant to study of middle school mathematics curricula. The grant is a longitudinal project to compare the effects on algebraic learning of using the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) curriculum to the effects on algebraic learning of using other school mathematics curricula (i.e., non- CMP curricula). The CMP curriculum is a complete, NSF-funded, middle school mathematics program that was developed and revised with the support from the National Science Foundation. By making the proposed longitudinal comparisons, the ways and circumstances under which the CMP curriculum can or cannot enhance student learning of algebra will be investigated, as will the characteristics of the curriculum and its implementation that lead to students' achievement gains.

The research will be conducted in 12 middle schools of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Six of the MPS schools that have adopted the CMP curriculum will be randomly selected, and six non-CMP schools will be chosen based on comparable ethnicity, family incomes, accessibility of resources, and test results. About 1200 CMP and 1200 non-CMP students will be selected and followed for four years (including their high school years).

For more information about Dr Cai and the project see the article that appeared on UDaily