Blog 5b: Science Fair Proposal

1. My topic is Teaching Algebra.

2. A problem in mathematics is that some student test scores are affected by their race or ethnicity.

The failure in foundational math classes for urban students of color is seen in the fact that only between 8 and 10% of African American and Latino students in California were proficient in algebra based on the 2008 California Standardized Test of Algebra (Education Trust, 2008).   Overall, 65% of African American students and 60% of Latino students who took algebra scored below the basic level on the California Standards Test in Algebra.  By contrast, 65% of white students and 80% of Asian students who took algebra scored at the basic level or above (Education Trust, 2008).    
"Background - The Algebra Crises." Background - The Algebra Crises. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. <http://ghspacers.com/create/background.html>.

3. If the student is Hispanic, then they are likely to have lower Math Start test scores than other races.

4. To do this experiment, I will use data from the California Department of Education. I will obtain the CST scores from each grade level, starting from second grade up to twelfth grade. Using all this data, I will form a chart with every year's scores. I will then compare all the scores between all the different races. For high school classes, I will only take into account just the regular math classes. For example, instead of eight grade math, I will only look at algebra for that year. This makes the comparing much easier.

5. Behavior/Social Science

Blog 5a: Problem Statement

1. Teaching Algebra

2. A problem that is occurring right now is whether to have Algebra as an 8th grade standard or not. For a while, districts in California were trying to accelerate everyone to finish Algebra by 8th grade. Recently, a bill was proposed to make it so that it would not be an 8th grade standard. So the problem would be which is better for overall students; having algebra as a standard in 8th grade or 9th grade? When I do come up with a solution, I will publish a paper with the help of local education departments and submit it to Dean E. Vogel, president of the California Teaching Association.

3. Another problem is whether certain teaching strategies are better than others. This can be a behavioral project idea, but it does leave room for experimentation. After I find a solution, I will show school districts my results, beginning with El Rancho School District.