Access to Algebra I: The Effects of Online Mathematics for Grade 8 Students

Title:	Access to Algebra I: The Effects of Online Mathematics for Grade 8 Students
Description:	This report presents findings from a randomized control trial designed to inform the decisions of policymakers who are considering using online courses to provide access to Algebra I in grade 8. It focuses on students judged by their schools to be ready to take Algebra I in grade 8 but who attend schools that do not offer the course. The study tested the impact of offering an online Algebra I course on students' algebra achievement at the end of grade 8 and their subsequent likelihood of participating in an advanced mathematics course sequence in high school. The study was designed to respond to both broad public interest in the deployment of online courses for K–12 students and to calls from policymakers to provide students with adequate pathways to advanced coursetaking sequences in mathematics (National Mathematics Advisory Panel 2008).
Online Availability:	Download, view and print the report as a pdf file. (3.6MB)
Cover Date:	December 2011
Web Release:	December 13, 2011
Publication #:	REL 20124021
Center/Program:	REL
Associated Centers:	NCEE
Authors:	Jessica B. Heppen, Kirk Walters, Ann-Marie Faria, and Nicholas Sorensen: American Institutes for Research; Margaret Clements, Cheryl Tobey, and Katherine Culp: Education Development Center, Inc.
Type of Product:	Evaluation Report
Keywords:	Access To Education Curriculum • secondary school Mathematics Mathematics/Science Education Online Learning Rural Education • Rural Schools
Questions:	For questions about the content of this Evaluation Report, please contact: Erin Pollard.