NEW YORK, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S.
Department of Education's What Works Clearinghouse has issued a
report validating the research that supports Pearson's
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space elementary school
curriculum. Among its findings, the WWC report confirmed a
"statistically significant positive difference in mathematics
achievement" for fourth-grade students in the Investigations in
Number, Data, and Space group as compared to students learning
with other programs.
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The Investigations in Number, Data, and Space mathematics
curriculum for students in grades K-5 is designed to help students
understand number and operations, geometry, data, measurement and
early algebra. The curriculum emphasizes reasoning about
mathematical ideas, and supports students as they make sense of
mathematics and learn that they can be mathematical thinkers.
The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), an arm of the Department of
Education's Institute of Education Sciences, validated findings of
an independent study by Gatti Evaluation, Inc. Student achievement
was measured by the Group Mathematics Assessment and Diagnostic
Evaluation (GMADE test).
Pearson's Director of Academic Research Marcy Baughman said, "Funded by the National
Science Foundation and developed by the non-profit TERC in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, the
Investigations program represents more than 20 years of
research and development aimed at improving the teaching and
learning of elementary mathematics. The acknowledgment by the WWC
of the rigorous research supporting the efficacy of the
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space program further
validates the joint commitment of TERC and Pearson to this
scientifically-researched, inquiry-based program."
The What Works Clearinghouse validated the randomized control
study by Guido Gatti who conducted
the independent research study of Investigations in Number,
Data, and Space over two years, concluding in 2010. When
issuing his research report, Gatti said, "The GMADE achievement
data indicates clearly that both early (1st grade) and
late (5th grade) elementary students of differing
ethnicity, social economic levels, English proficiency, and
mathematics achievement can experience substantial achievement
growth with Investigations, and continue this growth over
two school years — even when Investigations is implemented
by their teachers for the first time."
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space for the Common
Core
Recognition by the What Works Clearinghouse of the
strong research supporting Investigations in Number, Data, and
Space is a critical validation for schools that are now
choosing programs that will prepare their students for more
advanced mathematics and for careers that increasingly require
collaboration, flexibility, and a problem-solving mindset.
The development of Investigations in Number, Data, and Space
for the Common Core was led by the Education Research
Collaborative at TERC, including Principal Scientist Dr. Susan Jo
Russell, and Senior Project Directors Karen Economopoulos and Keith
Cochran, in collaboration with Pearson's editorial team,
researchers, and practitioners.
The Investigations program contains all of the critical
elements required by the Common Core State Standards, and embodies
the key instructional shifts in the areas of Focus, Coherence, and
Rigor emphasized by the Publishers Criteria. Digital tools, such as
Investigations for the Interactive Whiteboard with
interactive games and activities, the online Student Math
Handbook, and eTools, engage students and support and
promote conceptual understanding with focus, coherence and
rigor.
Teacher support for transition to the Common Core State
Standards is provided through Pearson's online tutorials and
on-site professional development, as well as through the TERC
workshops and institutes created by the authors of the
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space for the Common
Core program.
One fifth grade teacher who participated in the Gatti research
study summed up her evaluation of Investigations: "I'm
looking forward to next year with this program. I think it is
making me a better teacher."
Click here:
- For the What Works Clearinghouse report on Investigations in
Number, Data, and Space
- For the Gatti Research Study on Investigations in Number,
Data, and Space
- To learn more about Investigations in Number, Data, and
Space for the Common Core
About Pearson
Pearson, the world's leading learning company, has global reach and
market-leading businesses in education, business information and
consumer publishing (NYSE: PSO).
About TERC
TERC's mission is to improve mathematics
and science education. TERC works at the frontiers of theory and
practice to contribute to a deeper understanding of learning and
teaching; enhance instruction through teacher professional
development; develop applications of new technologies to education;
create curricula and other products; and support reform in both
school and informal settings.
About Gatti Evaluation, Inc.
Guido Gatti founded Gatti Evaluation in January
of 2003 to provide assistance in researching current topics in
education and biomed. Since that time, Gatti Evaluation has managed
or consulted on large research projects for Fortune 500 companies
and major academic institutions. Gatti Evaluation's research has
been reviewed by the What Works Clearinghouse and the
Best Evidence Encyclopedia.
Contact: kate.miller@pearson.com –1.800.745.8489
SOURCE Pearson