STEM Learning Opportunities Providing Equity (SLOPE)

STEM Learning Opportunities Providing Equity (SLOPE) is an intervention designed to increase success in grade 8 Algebra I for all students, especially those with a history of low performance in mathematics. The intervention includes three project-based, STEM-oriented drop-in instructional units (Puzzle Cube, Air Traffic Control, and Catapult Game) integrated into the district-selected Algebra I curriculum, taking approximately 40 class periods total. An optional four-week summer program (Summer C.A.M.P.) is offered before grade 8 for students who had not reached proficient status on the grade 7 state mathematics test, consisting of three project-based Pre-Algebra units delivered half-day Monday-Friday. The intervention also includes college awareness curriculum activities (two 15-minute activities per Algebra I unit). Treatment teachers receive strategic professional development through four half-day online sessions and one full-day training, plus weekly online coaching and collaborative meetings (1-3 hours per week) to strengthen content understanding and implementation consistency.