6th Grade Mathematics Study 2023-2024
We are seeking 6th grade mathematics teachers. Teachers will receive free support using a research proven tool and up to $1000 in stipends.
Study Pilot Timeline
May - September 2023:
Rolling Basis: Participating 6th grade teachers sign up based on eligibility and interest
Rolling Basis (as needed): Researcher completes district research application
Rolling Basis: Districts signs Memorandum of Understanding
September 2023 - April 2024
Participating teachers complete training activities + complete pre-study tasks
Teachers will assign Review Assignments to their classes over the school year
After each Review Assignment, Teachers will complete an implementation log
April - May 2024
Teachers administer study assessments to students and complete a survey. They may be invited to take part in an additional interview about the study activities.
Why join the 6th Grade Mathematics Study?
WestEd, a non-profit education research organization, is partnering with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and ASSISTments to conduct research funded by the U.S. Department of Education. We are looking at the learning impact of mathematical review strategies that are known to boost students’ scores on cumulative exams and high stakes tests. The strategies involve different orderings of mathematics problems. The study involves assigning different sets of mathematics problems to your class(es), but all students will see the same problems. All problems are aligned with the Common Core Standards.
The results of the study will help determine the extent to which this math intervention may have positive beneficial outcomes for students learning mathematics. Additionally, you will receive up to $1000 over the course of the study for completing all study activities.
Participation Details
We are currently seeking 6th grade mathematics teachers. The study will take place during the 2023-2024 school year.
Participating districts and teachers must meet the following criteria:
Teachers:
- Are 6th grade teachers who teach one or more math classes
- Agree to teach ratios and proportions in the Fall semester, and expressions and equations by February of the Spring semester.
- Willing to assign short math Review Assignments provided by the study team using theASSISTments digital platform (a short training will be provided on how to use the platform).
- Using one of the following LMS: Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, Microsoft Teams, Schoology, Brightspace, or Moodle.
- Contribute important knowledge about math learning to the field
- Sixth grade teachers receive free high quality professional learning on an evidence-based tool proven to improve math achievement.
Sixth grade teachers will receive up to $1000 over the course of the study for completing all study activities.
Prior to the study, you will review the study requirements and receive training on how to complete all study activities, including implementing the ASSISTments platform (if needed). Each of your math classes will be randomly assigned to receive assignments that use two different mathematical review strategies. Regardless of condition, all your classes will complete the exact same math problems just at different times during the 2023-24 school year. The practice problems in both worksheets are aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
During the study, you will have to cover some math content at certain points in the school year: specifically, ratios and proportions in the fall semester, and expressions and equations by February of the spring semester. You will be asked to assign Review Assignments over the course of the academic school year and review and collect the assignments in class. Additionally, you will be asked to complete weekly implementation logs, a pre- and post-study survey, and administer pre- and post-assessments to students.
Finally, you may be asked to participate in a post-study interview (optional). The interview will be audio recorded (the recordings will only be used for research purposes). WestEd researchers will be available throughout the duration of the study to assist promptly with any questions that may arise.
This study is funded by the US Department of Education. The study is an independent evaluation conducted by WestEd. ASSISTments is a joint project between The ASSISTments Foundation and The ASSISTments Project @ Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Use of ASSISTments During the Study
ASSISTments Teacher is a free, research-based, formative assessment math platform used nationally by over 18,000 teachers and 500,000 students, primarily in grades 3-10.
We’d love for you to join our study.
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Still using our legacy version? Click HereASSISTments is a free public service operated jointly by Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the ASSISTments Foundation.
The ASSISTments Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization sponsored by Worcester Polytechnic Institute created in 2019.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a 501(c)(3) non profit created in 1865.
The ASSISTments Project work at WPI is led by Professor Neil Heffernan.
The ASSISTments Foundation is led by Cristina Heffernan.