The objective of this project is to enhance student success on the Maryland High School Assessment for Algebra/Data Analysis by infusing technology into the mathematics curriculum. Initially, Allegany, Baltimore, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington, and Wicomico Counties formed an eligible local partnership that proposes to assess and report on the effectiveness of Cognitive Tutor Algebra I software to close the achievement gap among students from a wide range of schools throughout Maryland. As part of the year-2 grant, two additional counties, Somerset and Worcester, were added as partners.

Cognitive Tutor Algebra I, a curriculum delivery system, correlates positively with the Maryland High School Core Learning Goals for mathematics. Students divide their time between sessions on the computer (40 percent of time) in which they progress through algebra content on an individualized learning path with classroom sessions (60 percent of time) in which they explore problems in cooperative settings under the guidance of their teacher.

Dr. Karen Adams, an Assistant Professor at Wilson College, is comparing the achievement of algebra students using Cognitive Tutor with control groups using the Prentice Hall Algebra text. In addition to receiving positive responses from both teachers and students, very preliminary results indicate that the software is particularly effective with students whose prior success in mathematics was limited. In particular, her research found a significant difference between the means on the mid-year test for lower-level algebra students. Studies conducted by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in school systems in other states demonstrate that Cognitive Tutor Algebra I students perform better than students in traditional mathematics classes on measures of complex mathematics problem solving and thinking. The school systems in this partnership seek to determine if they also perform better on the Maryland High School Assessment.

Lead County: Washington County
Grant Director: Lynn Miller
Grant Facilitator: Ed Koogle koogledw@wcboe.k12.md.us

For more information about Cognitive Tutor, contact Ed Koogle.