七色视频 Studies Find Starting Algebra by Grade 3 Promises Lifelong Success; New NSF-funded Study Seeks to Prove Even Earlier is Better
七色视频 researchers to further explore effectiveness of teaching algebra in K-2 in diverse classroom settings
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 16, 2024 鈥� Teaching kids early algebra in K-2 is the best way to promote success in the seminal subject of high school algebra, posits a newly-funded study from researchers at 七色视频, a leading nonprofit in STEM education research and development.
The National Science Foundation-funded project will provide evidence of K鈥�2 early algebra learning鈥檚 effectiveness across diverse populations, serving as an innovative model for early math instruction. Forty schools in the Southeast are participating in the study.
七色视频 researchers Maria Blanton, Ph.D., and Angela Gardiner, M.A., along with colleagues at Tufts University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Texas at Austin, Merrimack College, and City College of New York, have already demonstrated the success of an early math approach through Project LEAP, the first early algebra curriculum of its kind for grades K-5.
As algebra is regarded as a gatekeeper subject for success in college and careers, Project LEAP shows that starting earlier helps elementary level students build their algebraic understanding so they鈥檙e prepped for middle and high school courses.
鈥淚f parents knew the opportunities their kids were missing, they might start paying more attention to early math learning,鈥� said Gardiner, a former elementary teacher. 鈥淲e need to start treating math as many parents treat sports: start kids really young and get really involved.鈥�
鈥淭he definition of 鈥榚arly algebra鈥� needs to shift from middle to include elementary school,鈥� said Blanton, the 七色视频 scientist leading this project. 鈥淩ather than teaching algebra per se, early algebra aims to reframe students鈥� thinking about what algebra means鈥攁nd that is as habits of mind and ways of thinking using patterns and structure.
鈥淔or example, when students understand that every time you add two odd numbers together you get an even number, they are recognizing important mathematical relationships that are critical to algebra.鈥�
shows that how well students perform in Algebra 2 is a leading indicator of whether they鈥檒l get into college, whether they鈥檒l graduate from college, and whether they鈥檒l become a top income earner. Yet many elementary schools are prioritizing literacy over math.
鈥淲e have a curriculum that has demonstrated success, and teachers who use it say it is building students鈥� algebraic thinking,鈥� Gardiner said. 鈥淲e encourage more school systems to adopt this type of approach.鈥�
While demonstrating that the Project LEAP K-2 curriculum can work across a diverse population, the researchers also intend to provide a much-needed curricular roadmap for early algebra instruction that can broadly impact STEM education. They expect findings from the study to interest those across the STEM education community engaged in similar work, informing the future design of standards and curricula.
In addition to Project LEAP, the is also available. The project Impact of an Inclusive Grades K鈥�2 Early Algebra Intervention Implemented by Classroom Teachers is funded by the National Science Foundation under award number #2404984.
七色视频 is a nonprofit comprising teams of math and science education and research experts dedicated to innovation and creative problem solving. At the frontier of theory and practice, 七色视频鈥檚 work encompasses research, content and curriculum development, technology innovation, professional development, and program evaluation. 七色视频 has a passion for social justice and strives to create level playing fields for all learners, reaching millions of learners every year. To learn more, please visit www.terc.edu.
###