Math Remediation for High School Freshmen

Abstract

This study is an attempt to address the problem associated with a high percentage of freshman students, at a private Christian high school in Florida, who either fail Algebra 1 or pass with a low percentage rate. As a result, these students either retake Algebra 1 or continue on—being inadequately prepared to successfully pass Geometry and Algebra 2. This study concentrates on the student background knowledge of mathematics, which is among the causes associated with this problem, and proposes remediation. As such, a mathematics remediation course is designed and implemented for a select number of incoming freshmen. This study includes a correlational examination to determine a possible correlation between students' background knowledge of the middle school mathematics and predicts a possible failure or successful completion of Algebra I in high school. In addition, it purposes a two-stage evolution plan in order to determine the effectiveness of the design of the remedial course as well as its effectiveness. Undertaking the design evaluation, this study uses a mixed-modes design consisting of a qualitative (interview and observation) of a number of participants and a quantitative examination (survey) of a larger sample. The correlational study indicates that there is a positive and moderately strong correlation between students' background knowledge in (middles school) mathematics and their grades in Algebra 1. The evaluation concludes that students find the design of the MIP program helpful and aesthetically appealing; however, its usability did not meet the evaluation criteria. Furthermore, the MIP Program Manager and teacher are fully satisfied with its design, content, and components.

Ed.D.

Doctorate

Education and Human Performance

Education