Boosting Algebra 1 Scores by 20 Points or More in a Low-Income School Through Enhanced Challenges and Teamwork
In the heart of Mississippi, West Jones High School (WJHS) has been making strides in improving Algebra 1 education. The school's success story began in 2016 when a dedicated teacher, who we'll call the speaker, started teaching Algebra 1.
Adopting a Comprehensive Approach
The speaker recognised the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to teaching Algebra 1. They leveraged standards-aligned digital resources like Math Nation, a supplemental program funded by the Mississippi Legislature, to enhance the learning experience.
The teaching methods employed by the speaker included a concrete-pictorial-abstract (CPA) approach, managing cognitive load through worked examples and scaffolding, incorporating spaced practice and retrieval, and aligning lessons explicitly with Mississippi standards. These strategies, backed by evidence-based teaching frameworks, aim to promote conceptual understanding, student engagement, and mastery in Algebra 1.
Engaging Students and Building Confidence
The speaker also recognised the value of engaging students with interactive, game-based applications, such as Domain Rangers. These tools make abstract concepts tangible and foster collaboration, helping students to grasp complex algebraic concepts more easily.
Moreover, the speaker provided opportunities for differentiated learning, ensuring that resources cater to diverse learners, including accelerated pathways and support for advanced students as well as those needing remediation.
Teacher Preparation and Ongoing Professional Development
Strong math instruction requires teachers to be confident and knowledgeable. The speaker emphasised the importance of teacher preparation and ongoing professional development, supported by robust training aligned with state standards and evidence-based math pedagogy.
Monitoring Progress and Identifying Areas for Improvement
At the end of every nine weeks, a common assessment is conducted across the district to monitor student progress and identify areas for intervention. The data from these assessments is shared within the Professional Learning Community (PLC) to analyse successes and areas for improvement.
Achieving Success
The speaker's dedication and innovative teaching methods have led to significant improvements in student performance. In the spring of 2017, only 37% of WJHS students scored at the proficient level or above on the state Algebra 1 assessment. However, by 2018, this figure had jumped to 66%, and it has been climbing ever since.
In 2017-18, the school's Algebra 1 proficiency rate jumped to 59%, a gain of 22 percentage points. The 2024 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) showed that 75% of WJHS students scored at the proficient level or above in Algebra 1, exceeding the state average of 67% and the proficiency rates of the other district high schools.
The success of the Algebra PLC and the online math platform has resulted in a more engaged and confident student body, setting them up for success in their future mathematical endeavours.
In conclusion, the story of West Jones High School serves as a shining example of how a dedicated teacher, supported by evidence-based teaching methods and standards-aligned resources, can transform Algebra 1 education in Mississippi public schools.
- The teacher at West Jones High School (WJHS) adopted a comprehensive approach to teaching Algebra 1, integrating various strategies like the CPA approach, cognitive load management, and alignment with state standards to promote student success.
- To foster student engagement and understanding, the teacher implemented interactive, game-based applications, such as Domain Rangers, while also providing diverse learning resources for accelerated, advanced, and remedial students.
- Recognising the importance of teacher preparedness and ongoing professional development, the teacher sought robust training aligned with state standards and evidence-based math pedagogy to enhance their skills.
- Continuous monitoring of student progress through district-wide assessments has helped the school, such as WJHS, identify areas for improvement and build successful Algebra 1 education initiatives contributing to personal growth, education-and-self-development, and the overall learning experience of students.
