External Evaluation of the Mathematics Excellence in the Middle Grades (MEMG) Project


Funding Source

Subcontract from Cooperative Educational Services Agency 5, Portage, WI

Project Director, External Evaluation

John Gugerty, Researcher, Center on Education and Work
jgugerty@education.wisc.edu

Implementation Time Frame for the External Evaluation

03/01/2008—09/30/2009 [19 months]

Overall Project Funding

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, awarded to CESA 5 from federal funds provided through the ESEA--No Child Left Behind Act -Title II, Part B - Mathematics and Science Partnerships Improving Teacher Quality Grant Programs.

Goal of the External Evaluation

This external evaluation will collect and analyze data in order to:

a) Help determine the extent to which participating teachers and other professional development participants:

  1. Deepen their content knowledge.
  2. Expand their pedagogical knowledge.
  3. Use formative assessment to improve student mathematics achievement.
  4. Integrate technology regularly in their mathematics instruction.
  5. Utilize resources available for a coaching model of professional development.

b) Help determine to what extent, if any, is the intensity level of teachers’ and others’ participation in project-supported professional development on math pedagogy is associated with changes in student performance on standardized measures of math skills.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection will include surveys of those participating in professional development (including the Survey of Enacted Curriculum), pre- and post-workshop measures of their math skills, observations, interviews, and document analysis. Data collection/analysis will also include aggregate student scores on standardized measures of student performance used by participating school districts.

Background: Improving Teacher Quality Grant Program

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act -Title II, Part B - Mathematics and Science Partnerships, these programs encourage scientifically based professional development as a means for improving student academic performance. The Mathematics and Science Partnership Program discretionary grant is intended to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers. Partnerships between high-need school districts and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty in institutions of higher education are at the core of these improvement efforts. Other partners may include state education agencies, public charter schools or other public schools, businesses, and nonprofit or for-profit organizations concerned with mathematics and science education.

Background: Mathematics Excellence in the Middle Grades (MEMG) Project

Mathematics Excellence in the Middle Grades (MEMG) is a three-year professional development project designed to raise student achievement by developing deeper mathematical content and pedagogical knowledge in teachers of students in grades 5-8 in school districts served by CESA 5, headquartered in Portage, WI. In partnership with the education and mathematics departments at UW-Platteville, eight days of professional development centered on the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Mathematics will occur during each of the summers from 2007-09. On-site coaching and assistance to all consortium schools will continue to be available in years two and three of the grant to extend the summer learning and further develop a sustainable model for improving mathematics instruction and promoting reflective best practice. A wiki website connects participants to resources and to one another to provide an electronic learning community.

To view this wiki site, go to: http://cesa5mathscience.wikispaces.com

Strengthening and developing parent partnerships is also a high priority for MEMG. Every parent plays an important role in encouraging and supporting student achievement in math, but the grant’s role takes on special importance in districts where reform curricula are being implemented. Grant-supported activities include parent outreach that contributes to building a multi-generational community of learning.

In year one, there were 31 participants including Title 1 teachers, special educators, and educators who teach all subjects in grades 5-8, including math. To view the year one announcement/recruitment flier, go to 2008 Flier. In year two, 35 teachers and others are participating in grant-supported professional development. To view a summary of the year two effort to date, go to Year 2 Summary. To view the 2009 announcement/recruitment flier, go to 2009 Flier.

Additional Features of the Mathematics Excellence in the Middle Grades Project

  • Participating teachers receive a stipend of $100 for completing the Survey of Enacted Curriculum, and $100 for participating in the orientation session.
  • Each institute consists of four days of standards-based, hands-on learning and reflection. Teaching materials, handouts, lunch, and accommodations are provided at no cost to districts. A daily stipend of $100 is provided to each participant.
  • Three days of ongoing professional development are scheduled—Fall, Winter, and Spring. Districts will be reimbursed for substitutes.
  • Onsite coaching and support as participants apply what they learned to their work with students is also provided.
  • Resources and funds are provided for a Family Math Event in each participant’s district.
  • Participants are able to network with other dedicated math teachers in CESA 5.
  • Participants also receive support to join the Wisconsin Math Council and participate in the Green Lake Math Conference.
  • Participating teachers may register for UW-Platteville credits for either or both of the summer institutes. Receipt of UW-P credits requires an action plan component designed to help participating teachers apply what they have learned in their classrooms, and includes support from a UW-P faculty member and math grant colleagues throughout both Fall and Spring semesters. Courses may be taken together for four or six credits, at $100 per credit. Tuition and fees are due upon registration in June.

Participating Districts

Almond-Bancroft, Auburndale, Cambria-Friesland, Fall River, Lodi, Montello, Necedah, New Lisbon, Pardeeville, Pittsville, Port Edwards, Portage, Princeton, Randolph, Rio, Rosholt, and Tri-County.

Contacts for additional information about the Mathematics Excellence in the Middle Grades Project

Kathryn Richardson, Ph.D., Director, Center for Accountability and Assessment, Cooperative Educational Services Agency (CESA) 5, Portage, WI

608-742-8814 x281
Fax: 608-742-2384
richardsonk@cesa5.k12.wi.us

Kari Augustine, Curriculum Specialist, CESA 5

608-742-8814 x241
augustinek@cesa5.k12.wi.us