ASSISTments for Algebra Readiness

ASSISTments is a research-based, formative assessment math platform used nationally by over 2,000 teachers and 100,000 students last year. Watch this video.

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Participating teachers will follow 4 simple steps

1. Select and assign problems online in ASSISTments. Watch this video.
2. Have students complete their assignments. They receive immediate feedback on the correctness of their response, and multiple attempts to get it right. See Walkthrough
3. Review the assignment report. Actionable data insights, including common incorrect answers, help teachers monitor student progress and plan future lessons. See a walkthrough of the assignment report. See a walkthrough of the Class Report.
4. Share class data with students to support their own reflection and growth, and engage inmath discussions.

Enabling Conditions (for using ASSISTments):

1. 1:1 in-school student devices per class, at a minimum.
   
   • Are there systems and mindsets in place to use technology?
2. Teachers use one of the following LMSs: Google Classroom, Canvas, Moodle, Microsoft Teams, Schoology, Brightspace, Blackboard, or otherwise Edlink integrated LMS.
3. Clear process for edTech use approval at the district or school level
   
   • Tech point person/lead
4. (if required) Data privacy and compliance agreements completed
5. (ideally) Teachers are not already mandated to use multiple digital tools during class time.

Enabling Conditions (for Teaching Lab Professional Learning):

1. HQIM: Eukeka/Illustrative Math/ Open-Up/Kendall Hunt/ Imagine Learning.
   
   • (Ideally) The district/school has been implementing the HQIM for at least 1-2
     years.
2. Sacred time for professional learning and coaching for teachers
   
   • Eight 90-120 minute professional learning sessions completed on a cadence that works for the school. This may include virtual or in-person sessions, fewer full days, or multiple short sessions (45-60 minutes) to complete the two Cycles of Inquiry.
   • Allocated time and a clear schedule for classroom observations and debriefs with participating teachers
3. Sacred time for coaching for the school’s math lead/coach to build instructional leadership capacity
   
   • The point-person/school-based coach will be the ASSISTments’ Insights Hub owner at each school
   • The school leader will meet regularly with the Teaching Lab Coach to ensure services are aligned with the school’s needs and priorities for math achievement.
4. (Ideally) Use of student data to drive instruction.

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All teachers will be asked to:

• Administer student pre- and post-tests at the beginning and end of the year (1 class period each).
• Participate in a 20-minute research orientation with the WestEd team
• Complete research activities, including
  • 2 surveys (10–15 min. each),
  • 2 pedagogical content knowledge assessments (45–60 min. each),
  • 3–4 instructional logs (10–15 min. each),
  • observation (1–1.5 hours, if selected), and
  • interview (1 hour, if selected).

In addition, Immediate Treatment Group Teachers will be asked to:

• Assign math problems using ASSISTments at least 2 times a week (~9 total problems each week)
• Participate in a 3–6 hour Bootcamp to receive training on the district’s math curriculum and ASSISTments
• Participate in weekly 1:1 coaching and monthly professional learning

Benefits for the teacher and the school

• There is no cost to participate in this project.
• Contribute important knowledge to the field about math teaching and learning to prepare middle school students for Algebra
• Grades 6–7 Math Teachers and Coaches receive free high-quality professional learning and coaching on Illustrative Math/Eureka Math (EngageNY) and ASSISTments, an evidence-based tool shown to improve math achievement

Compensation for the teacher and the school

• All teachers will receive up to $600 for completing research activities. (Stipends will be pro-rated based on completed activities).
• Coaches in Immediate Treatment Group Schools will receive up to $200 for completing research activities. (Stipends will be pro-rated based on completed activities).