Algebra Coaching

What is Algebra Coaching?

• 9th Grade Course at Eastview Highschool
• Support class students have along with their normal math class
• For students who struggled to pass their intermediate algebra class

Math Specific Pros

• Students can find success, build confidence
• Opportunity to solidify basics of algebra before higher level courses
• Small class size provides the opportunity for individualized help
• Opportunity for preteaching, reteaching, practice tests, and slower paceing

General Pros

• Many collegiate remedial education courses have found a lot of success
• Math and reading success directly connected to drop out percentage
• 9th grade is a hard transistion year socially, emotionally, and psychologically

Cons

• Have to drop an elective class to take
• Is 2 hours of math really best for struggling students?
• Small class sizes are expensive per student

The real question is: What does the DATA say about students finding success?

The following 2 slides show student's grades in their regular algebra course from this year focused on 3rd quarter

Students in for 1st time

Students Who Left

After leaving Coaching

• 139.72 total grades percentage LOST from 10 students
• Averaging a DECREASE of 13.972 in each of their algebra grades

1st time in Coaching

• 163.05 total grade percentage GAINED from 21 students
• Averaging an INCREASE of 8.1525 in each of their algebra grades

This data shows that though algebra coaching may not be right for every student...

It is doing a great job of helping RAISE grades for many students!

Sources

• Collins M. (July 2014). Discussion of the joint statement of core principles for transforming remedial education. Journal of college reading and learning. 44:1. 84-94. DOI: 10.1080/10790195.2013.10850374
• American Psychological Association. (2012). Facing the school dropout dilemma. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/school-dropout-prevention.aspx
• Ashford, E. (September 26, 2013). Bringing remedial math courses to high schools. Community college daily. Retrieved from http://www.ccdaily.com/Pages/Academic-Programs/Illinois-program-brings-coll...