Recognizing that algebra is a gatekeeper course for higher
mathematics and postsecondary education, the purpose of the
Algebra Project is to support algebraic reasoning in the
elementary grades and to prepare students for middle grade
mathematics and Algebra 1. This algebraic foundation will prepare
students for college preparatory mathematics in high school, and
will give students the mathematical knowledge required for
college entrance, success in college courses, and lifelong civic
engagement.
The UC Davis CRESS Center is a collaborating partner, along with
Twin Rivers Unified School District and the California Teachers
Association Institute for Teaching, in a pilot project of the
Algebra Project at Allison Elementary School. Participating
teachers are researching the impact of the Algebra Project on
their practice and on their students’ performance through a
teacher research project that documents the voices of the
teachers as they learn about and implement the Algebra Project
pedagogy. Recording teachers’ first-hand experiences will provide
valuable information that may inform and guide project expansion.
During the 2009‐10 school year three teachers at Allison
Elementary School in the Twin Rivers Unified School District
implemented a modified Algebra Project, Inc. curriculum in their
grades 4‐6 classrooms. This was a pilot project designed to test
the feasibility and impact of implementing Algebra Project
pedagogy in conjunction with the district’s regular math
curriculum. The Algebra Project emphasizes approaches to engage
students in active learning and to increase the participation of
their families in school and math activities. This report was
produced by the UC Davis School of Education’s Center for
Education and Evaluation Services, Spring 2010.
This collaborative research study conducted by three teachers in
the Twin Rivers Unified School District documents their efforts
to engage parents in their child’s learning. The study was
conducted as part of a pilot project designed to integrate a
modified Algebra Project curriculum into their grades 4-6
classrooms. Spring 2010. Authors: Wendy Gallimore, Kim Rohall,
Danalynn Zacharias, and Joanne Bookmyer.
Wendy Gallimore wants to be sure her fifth and
sixth grade students are ready for algebra. She knows all
too well the importance of this gatekeeper course and the
obstacles students face academically if they cannot master
algebra.
