IEQ Yr 14 UK-Supporting Student Transition to Algebra II

Supporting Transitions in Algebra II with Collaborative Learning Teams (STA) Council on Postsecondary Education: Improving Educator Quality Year 14 Summary of Proposed Project Project Description: This project will pair Algebra II teachers with their special education collaborators to reduce achievement gaps in Algebra II and increase the percent of students scoring proficient or distinguished as measured by the End of Course Assessment (EOC) and ACT. The project design will use an action research approach to application of tools and strategies in the classroom to allow teachers sufficient time to practice before new content and pedagogy is presented. Teachers will present their learning and classroom impact to their administrators, teachers and other invited guests in a yearly showcase. Participant teachers will design and deliver local PLC meetings for the rest of the high school mathematics faculty using the same action research approach described above. The academic year and summer cadre sessions, in-district coaching or mentoring, and classroom observations are aimed at improving content knowledge and pedagogy through non-threatening and alternative means, including extensive work in the use of models which include manipulatives and technology. Administrators will participate in full-day and half-day meetings, and will conduct classroom observations of their participating teachers and help facilitate a descriptive feedback session with the teacher in collaboration with project leadership.