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Math in Focus: Kentucky

At a glance

  • Demonstrates a Rationale
  • Program: Math in Focus®: Singapore Math® by Marshall Cavendish®
  • Subject: Math
  • Report Type: Efficacy Study
  • Grade Level: Elementary
  • Region: Southeast
  • District Urbanicity: Urban
  • District Size: Large
  • District: Lexington and Marshall County, KY
  • Outcome Measure: Measures of Academic Progress; Year One Kentucky Core Content Test; Thinklink benchmark test
  • Evaluation Period: 2009–2011
  • Study Conducted by: HMH Research

A longitudinal analysis of Math in Focus in Lexington, KY

Longitudinal data analysis was conducted to investigate student math achievement over the course of two consecutive years. The sample was comprised of 272 students from Title 1-eligible schools. Student math performance was measured using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP).

5 3 Math In Focus Research And Efficacy Topleft Graph P10 2
GRAPH 1. MAP Scores for 2009 Academic Year for Grade 5 Students

Results

Statistical analysis indicated that using Math in Focus was associated with increased student math performance. This improvement was statistically significant even after controlling for student level variables.

Thinklink Benchmark Test Improvement in Marshall County, KY

The Thinklink benchmark test ranks students on four levels: Novice, Apprentice, Proficient, and Distinguished. After using Math in Focus in Grade 3 from 2010 to 2011, the Thinklink benchmark test scores showed a significant improvement for Math in Focus students, rising from 57% to 91% of students at the Distinguished level for Algebraic Thinking. Distinguished is the highest level that student can achieve.

5 3 Math In Focus Research And Efficacy Bottom Graph P10 1
GRAPH 2. Grade 3 Students at the “Distinguished” level for Algebraic Thinking