Masters Thesis

Addressing the Math Achievement Gap of Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Students through Intervention

The achievement gap in mathematics is a widely known issue that has impacted U.S. schools for years. This gap is especially prevalent for those students who are considered socio-economic disadvantaged as research has shown the majority of students falling behind come from high poverty areas. Numerous barriers have been identified through literature that prohibit this demographic group from succeeding academically. Math intervention has been suggested as a deterrent to this gap and many educators have implemented various models and yet, the achievement gap prevails as socio-economic disadvantaged students continue to fall further behind in developing the foundational knowledge and skills needed to achieve upper level course work. This case study analyzes the practices of three intervention teachers who taught a six-week summer math intervention for 8th grade socio-economic disadvantaged students. Results demonstrated through numerical data in the form of pre/post math intervention assessment, revealed the six-week summer math intervention was successful. A correlation was found through qualitative data, collected in the form of intervention teacher surveys and coded for themes and patterns, which revealed specific practices and strategies practiced amongst all three intervention teachers. These specific strategies and practices used during the six-week intervention improved the mathematic achievement of sixty-three 8th grade student of low socio-economic status. Recommendations include utilizing the outlined strategies and practices during intervention to increase the probability of socio-economic disadvantaged students achieving the mathematical knowledge and skills to succeed at upper level course work. Closing the math achievement gap for low socio-economic status students will not be easy, but with these intervention practices, educators have an opportunity to provide instruction that is catered to the needs of this student population.

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