Efficacy Study of Math Expressions by
Houghton Mifflin
Information for Interested Schools
- Math Expressions Study Description (PDF)
- Math Expressions Study Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Math Expressions Study Application Form (DOC)
Study Description
Cobblestone Applied Research & Evaluation, Inc. will conduct a research study to examine the Houghton Mifflin
Math Expressions program in selected elementary schools in grades 3, 4, and 5 during the 2011-12 school year.
Teachers will be randomly assigned to the “treatment” group (using the Houghton Mifflin
Math Expressions program) or the “control” group (continuing to use the school’s current math curriculum).
Math Expressions is an innovative program that interweaves abstract mathematical concepts with everyday experiences of students. Through the program students learn math and have fun by using objects, drawing, working with other students, connecting math to daily life, and helping classmates learn.
For more information about Math Expressions, please visit
the Math Expressions web page.
Incentives
The incentives to participating schools and teachers include:
- Training: Free training and product orientation for all “treatment” instructors selected to use the Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions program
- Program materials: Free Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions materials, including teacher edition and student edition textbooks
- Product Vouchers: All participating teachers will receive a $200 product voucher to use for Houghton Mifflin products
School Site Characteristics
In order to be considered for participation in the study, schools must meet the following criteria:
- Schools cannot currently be using the Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions program.
- Schools must agree to the random assignment of teachers to either the treatment group (using Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions) or control group (continuing to use the school’s current math curriculum).
- Schools should have at least two teachers at each grade level (grades 3, 4, and 5).
- Schools must obtain district approval to participate in the study.
Data Collection
The study will require that students and intervention instructors participate in a combination of pre/post surveys, assessments, and program implementation monitoring, including the following:
- Student pre-post mathematics assessments
- State testing scores in mathematics for participating students
- Teacher logs
- Teacher focus groups/ interviews
- Classroom observations
- Teacher surveys
As an independent research company we conduct scientifically rigorous studies while still working closely with schools to meet the unique educational needs of their students.
