Middle School Mathematics Professional Development Program

The Middle School Mathematics Professional Development Program is a comprehensive professional development intervention designed for seventh-grade mathematics teachers in mid- and high-poverty schools. The program focuses on positive rational numbers (fractions, decimals, ratio, rate, proportion, and percent) and aims to develop both common knowledge of mathematics (CK) and specialized knowledge of mathematics for teaching (SK). The program consists of 68 contact hours delivered over one school year, including a 3-day summer institute (18 hours), five 1-day seminars during the school year (30 hours), and 10 days of in-school coaching (20 hours). The PD was delivered by two providers (America's Choice and Pearson Achievement Solutions) to treatment teachers in 40 schools across 12 districts. The program emphasizes active learning through problem-solving, small group work, presentations, and discussions about student misconceptions. Coaching visits are coupled with seminars and scheduled to align with when rational number topics are taught according to district pacing guides. Prior to implementation, facilitators participated in week-long training programs and all materials underwent pilot testing and expert review.