Pearson Successmaker Math Efficacy Study 2009-10 Final Report

SuccessMaker Math RCT Gatti Evaluation Inc. 9-15-10I. INTRODUCTIONAs elementary and middle schools strive to meet the adequate yearly progress goals set for themin reading and mathematics achievement, many are attempting to maximize their efforts byturning to instructional technology like the SuccessMaker© 1 program. Gatti Evaluationpartnered with Pearson to evaluate the effectiveness of the SuccessMaker program. Informationgathered during this study will inform future revisions of the program and provide evidence ofprogram efficacy.Pearson partnered with Gatti Evaluation to study the efficacy of theSuccessMaker Math program in achieving positive educational attitudes andachievement outcomes.This report provides methods and results from the first phase of the efficacy research conductedduring the 2009-10 school year on the SuccessMaker Math program; including the studymethodology, nuanced program usage information, teacher and administrator attitudes, as well asstudent attitudinal and achievement gains. This efficacy study evaluated the Math program insixty-three diverse 3 rd , 5 th and 7 th grade classrooms from ten schools in seven different states(i.e., AZ, AR, CA, IN, KS, NY, PA).Instructional Technology LiteratureSuccessMaker is an adaptive computer based learning environment that offersan instructional management system, placement and formative assessment,individualized elementary and middle grade reading and mathematicscurriculum resources, and a student progress reporting system.SuccessMaker is an adaptive computer-based learning environment that offers an instructionalmanagement system, placement and formative assessment, individualized elementary and middlegrade reading and mathematics curriculum resources, and a reporting system to informadministrators and teachers as to student progress. It is widely believed that making formativeassessment an integral part of instructional practice is one of the best ways to improve studentlearning. 2 The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics also emphasizes that technologycan enhance mathematics learning and supports effective mathematics teaching and skillspractice. Mathematics education and instruction may be aided by technology in various ways,with the technology assuming the role of enhancing, amplifying, and organizing curricula. 3 It isalso well documented that both the scope of ways and effectiveness of technology in aidinginstruction is increasing with each passing decade. 4 What remains unclear are the best ways to1 http://www.pearsondigital.com/2 National Council of Teaching of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Reston, Va.: National Council ofTeachers of Mathematics.3 Heid, M. K. (1997). The technological revolution and the reform of school mathematics. American Journal of Education, 106(1), p5-61.4 Jenks, M. S., & Springer, J. M. (2001). A view of the research on the efficacy of CAI. Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology inEducation, 1(2).- 5 -