Blending Assessment with Instruction: Improving the mathematics performance of fifth-grade students through implementation of research-based lessons and tutorials

Abstract

This study was designed as part of a formative pilot study to enhance the Blending Assessment with Instruction Program (BAIP) prior to implementation statewide. Specifically, the main objectives were to obtain teacher perceptions on the usability of BAIP, identify the program's instructional value and the appropriateness of its infrastructure for improvement purposes, and begin determining the impact BAIP has on student outcomes in mathematics. BAIP is designed to improve student mathematics achievement through aligning mathematics instruction with curriculum standards. BAIP incorporates both mathematics lessons and tutorials designed for teachers and students. BAIP lessons were developed using Rosenshine and Stevens' (1986) six instructional procedures of effective instruction. BAIP tutorials were designed utilizing Gagne's (1985) nine stages of instruction.

A comparison quasi-experimental design was used. The experimental group consisted of fifth-grade students in four school districts and two private schools, a total of 198 students (including 20 students with disabilities and 49 students who qualified for free and reduced-cost lunch). The comparison group consisted of four school districts, a total of 202 students (including 12 students with disabilities and 58 students who qualified for free and reduced-cost lunch). Surveys were used to determine teacher perceptions of the usability of BAIP and data were collected to evaluate the effectiveness of BAIP relative to improving the mathematics performance of fifth-grade students on a statewide mathematics assessment and a posttest measure.

Results from the correlational analysis, differences between pretest and posttest mean scores, and formative data gathered through teacher surveys, emails, and phone calls provided valuable information regarding the instructional value, usability, and the appropriateness of the infrastructure of BAIP. These data, in turn, will be used to enhance the BAIP program.