The ability of middle grades schools to get more students "high school ready" is an essential step toward the larger goal of getting more students in high school to graduate "college and work ready"—and mathematics is key.

In light of California‘s longstanding policy focus on Algebra I in grade 8 and the challenges this raises for local decision-making, this analysis provides an empirical exploration of grade 8 Algebra I placement, based on longitudinal data linking the mathematics (CSTs) that students in the sample took in grade 7 (in 2008) and grade 8 (in 2009).

Further, this analysis sheds light on how middle grades schools in California are using state-adopted standards and curriculum programs, as well as standards-based assessments, as a basis for their efforts to improve student achievement in the subject. It also identifies practices and policies that appear to differentiate higher school achievement in grade 8 mathematics within this standards-based context.

This analysis is a follow-up to the landmark 2010 Gaining Ground in the Middle Grades research, a large-scale study of middle grades (6-8) practices and policies in 303 California schools and their relationship with student outcomes on the (CSTs) in English language arts and mathematics.

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EdSource is grateful to the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and to Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix Inc., for their support of this follow-up analysis.  

Policy Brief

Needed: Careful evaluation of Algebra I placements in grade 8

This 2-page summary presents key messages regarding algebra placement from the EdSource study Improving Middle Grades Math Performance.

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Middle Grades Action Kit

Middle Grades Action Kit for Superintendents and Principals

Our Middle Grades Action Kit for Superintendents and Principals is designed to help school leaders identify and implement actionable practices that set high-performing schools apart.

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Study Documents

Policy Brief - Preparation, Placement, Proficiency: Improving Middle Grades Math Performance

This 16-page policy and practice brief presents highlights and implications from the Improving Middle Grades Math Performance analysis of student placements into Algebra I in 8th grade, including a look at other policies and practices that correlate with higher school achievement in grade 8 mathematics.

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Full Study - Improving Middle Grades Math Performance

Download the full report including technical appendices, an executive summary, and related documents from the Improving Middle Grades Math Performance study.

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