About the Intervention
Core-Plus Mathematics is a four-year high school mathematics curriculum that replaces the traditional sequence with courses featuring interwoven strands of algebra and functions, statistics and probability, geometry and trigonometry, and discrete mathematics. The curriculum is designed for high school students (grades 9-12) and emphasizes mathematical modeling using technology with multiple representations (verbal, numerical, graphical, and symbolic). Instruction is delivered face-to-face through collaborative small-group investigations of problem situations in the classroom, followed by teacher-led whole-class summarizing activities. Students also complete individual work outside of class through MORE tasks (Modeling with, Organizing, Reflecting on, and Extending mathematical understanding). The curriculum includes student textbooks (approximately $88 per course) and instructional materials for teachers. Implementation involves multi-day lessons organized around cycles of instructional activities, with teachers acting as directors, facilitators, moderators, and intellectual coaches throughout different phases of instruction.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on Iowa Tests of Educational Development mathematics subtest in ninth grade
Positive effect: on all three subtests of the Course 1 CPMP Posttest in ninth grade
Positive effect: on contextual algebra subtest of the Course 2 CPMP Posttest in tenth grade
Positive effect: on coordinate geometry subtest of the Course 2 CPMP Posttest in tenth grade
No effect: on SAT math scores
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
N/APrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2010). Core-Plus Mathematics. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/WWC/intervention/750.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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