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Maryland Middle Schools ASSISTments Study
This research study is an exciting opportunity for middle schools in Maryland to support the learning of what works in education. Selected schools will receive free high-quality professional development and robust coaching support in math, further supported by the use of ASSISTments, an evidence-based formative assessment platform.
We are seeking school districts as partners in this study. Participating districts will help us identify eligible middle schools. These schools will then be randomly assigned to either implement ASSISTments as a support to their regular instruction (the treatment) or continue with “business-as-usual” (the control).
Study Timeline
Dec. 1- Jan. 15: Districts express interest, learn more, confirm participation
March 2026: District signs Memorandum of Understanding, research application complete
April 2026: Eligible Schools Identified
ASSISTments Implementation Schools:
August: Teachers receive training on ASSISTments (6 hours)
Sep-June: Teachers use ASSISTments regularly (2–3 times per week). They receive 3 in-person coaching visits, and complete baseline study survey.
Spring 2027: District and School Administrators participate in a one-hour interview.
Business- as- Usual Schools:
Sep-June: Teachers continue standard math instruction and complete baseline study survey
ASSISTments Implementation Schools:
August: Teachers receive training on ASSISTments (6 hours)
Sep-June: Teachers use ASSISTments regularly (2–3 times per week). They receive 3 in-person coaching visits, and complete 2 study surveys and instructional logs.
Spring 2028: District and School Administrators participate in a one-hour interview. District shares student-level MCAP math scores and demographic data with researchers.
Business- as- Usual Schools:
Sep-June: Teachers continue standard math instruction and complete 2 study surveys and instructional logs.
Spring 2028: Schools receive access to ASSISTments and a free starter training after the study.
Why join the Maryland Middle School ASSISTments Study?
By participating, your school contributes to a statewide effort to scale ASSISTments and identify what truly works to improve math outcomes for Maryland students.
ASSISTments Implementation Schools will receive access to ASSISTments, one of the few tools proven to improve math achievement, and high-quality coaching. Business-as-Usual schools will receive a $500 honorarium for their partnership.
All teachers will receive up to $150 in gift cards for study collection activities.
Participation Details
We are recruiting Maryland districts and their 6th–8th-grade middle schools for a two-year study (2026–2028).
Participating schools will be selected through a lottery to either implement ASSISTments or continue business-as-usual math instruction during the study.
All schools participate in study data collection, and have access to ASSISTments support by the end of the study.
Participating districts and teachers must meet the following criteria:
- Districts sign an MOU and agree to share student MCAP math and demographic data
- Schools:
- Serve 6th–8th grade students
- Have device access that supports 2–3 weekly ASSISTment sessions
- Are able to participate in lottery assignment (some schools will begin ASSISTments immediately; others will continue with business as usual)
- Teachers:
- 6th, 7th, or 8th grade general education math teachers
- Able to use a supported LMS
- Willing to use ASSISTments consistently during the school year
- Students are able to complete internet-based math assignments
We do NOT require all teachers in a grade level to participate. We are specifically excited to serve minority, low-income and rural communities.
District Receive:
- Quarterly implementation check-ins
- Monthly progress reports
- Access to our administrator data dashboard
Schools Receive:
If assigned to the ASSISTments Implementation Group:
- A robust implementation support model (planning, monthly data reports, quarterly check-ins)
- Free access to all features of ASSISTments in 2026–2027 and 2027-2028
- Spring/Summer 2026 training for math teachers
- Coaching in the school throughout the study
If assigned to the Business-as-Usual Group:
- $500 school honorarium for participation
- Access to all features of ASSISTments and a free introduction training in 2028–2029
All Teachers Receive:
- High-quality professional learning
- Up to $150 in gift cards for completing study data collection activities (surveys & instructional logs)
- Free access to ASSISTments
This study is generously funded by a Department of Education Innovation and Research Grant. The study is an independent evaluation conducted by MC2 Education.
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Use of ASSISTments During the Study
ASSISTments is a research-based, formative assessment math platform used nationally by over 2,000 teachers and 100,000 students last year.
- Select and assign problems online in ASSISTments
- Have students complete their assignments. They receive immediate feedback on the correctness of their response, and multiple attempts to get it right
- Review the assignment report. The actionable data insights, including common wrong answers, help teachers monitor student progress and plan future lessons.
- Share class data with students to support their own reflection and growth, and engage in math discussions.
Teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools
District Leader in Baltimore County Public Schools
Teacher in
Charles County Public Schools
We’d love for you to join our study.
We welcome applications and interest forms from teachers, school or district administrators.
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Charitable Number: 83-4228740
