Implementing Singapore Math in Elementary Schools James Badger

Implementing Singapore Math in Elementary Schools James Badger Dianna Spence Gregg Velatini Georgia Mathematics Conference 2009 Friday, October 16

Agenda • Singapore Math Overview & Examples – Dianna • Our Research: “What, Why, How” & Findings: Surveys, Observations, Interviews – James • Findings: Student Performance (CRCT/ITBS) – Gregg

What Is Singapore Math? • Curriculum based on elementary mathematics teaching techniques used in Singapore • Initial curriculum: “Primary Mathematics” – Created in 1981 – Developed by CDIS (Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore) • Revisions – 1992: stronger problem-solving focus (2 nd Ed. ) – 1999: reduced content (3 rd Ed. ) – 2001 & forward: adapted for U. S.

Why Singapore Math? Trends in International Math/Science Study • Singapore graders consistently outperforming 4 th graders in other countries 4 th TIMSS: Mean Score, 4 th Grade Math COUNTRY 1995 2003 Singapore 590 594 Hong Kong 557 575 Japan 567 565 Netherlands 549 540 Latvia 499 533 England 484 531 Hungary 521 529 U. S. 518 Cyprus 475 510 Australia 495 499 New Zealand 469 496 Scotland 493 490 Slovenia 462 479 Norway 476 451 Source: http: //nces. ed. gov/timss

Characteristics of Singapore Math • Concrete pictorial abstract approach for each concept • Strong emphasis on place value • Repetitive drill minimized: topics are sequenced to reinforce/apply skills • Problem solving based on conceptual approach rather than memorization of rules, “clue words”

Hallmark Strategies of 9 Singapore Math • Number bonds 2 7 – operations and part-whole relationships • Mental math 6, 325 + 400 = 6, 725 – leverages and reinforces place value • Bar models – helps conceptualize arithmetic operations, fractions, ratios, algebraic thinking “ 12 of Jack’s marbles are red, which is 2/9 of his collection…”

Example: Place Value Disks Thousands Hundreds 100 100 537 + 184 Tens 10 100 7 10 10 Ones. 10 1 1 10 10 2 10 10 10 1 1 1 1

Example: Bar Modeling “ 12 of Jake’s marbles are red, and these make up 2/9 of his collection. How many marbles in Jake’s collection are not red? ” 12 6 x 7 = 42 6 6 6 6 6 Whole collection

Classroom Best Practices • Concrete Pictorial Abstract 3 3 + 4 4 • Emphasis on place value, mental math • Conceptual approach, not rule-based • Spiral approach to topics

Research Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Has the implementation of Singapore Math resulted in higher student math scores? Has the implementation of Singapore Math had a positive impacted on student interest and/or confidence in mathematics? Has the implementation of Singapore Math resulted in measurable changes in the teachers’ attitudes toward mathematics? Is there fidelity in the implementation of the Singapore Math curriculum? How do elementary teachers implement the Singapore Math curriculum?

Research Design • County-wide implementation in a school district in the south-east of the U. S. • 21 (experimental) and 3 (control) elementary schools – One teacher from each of the 24 schools in K-4 volunteer to participate (first year)

i. iii. iv. v. Qualitative and Quantitative Data Interviews with teachers & students Participating teachers’ journals (4 times) Classroom observations Teacher and student survey – fall/spring Video-taping of Singapore Math lesson (4 times) – analysis using TPR (Teaching Performance Record) vi. End-of-year test scores: CRCT & ITBS

1. Survey Results • Teachers, Kindergarten in particular, indicated a stronger affinity for and liked teaching mathematics at the end of the 2008 -2009 school year than they had previously reported. • Content knowledge of mathematics is important for effective teaching: teachers report some degree of understanding and confidence in teaching mathematics.

Survey Results, cont. • A degree of satisfaction with the training and resources for mathematics teaching in 2009 – i. e. Singapore Math training and mentoring initiatives were apparently noticed and appreciated by many teachers. – Echoed in interview and journal data

2. Interview Results • A fluid integration of the new curriculum: a consequence of the training provided by the county and ongoing support delivered by school administration • Teachers reported manipulatives frequently integrated in the classroom - value discs and number bonds cited as fostering learning

Interview Results, cont. • Teachers report students possessed a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts with the Singapore Math curriculum. • Teachers claimed that they have higher expectations of students in Singapore Math.

Interview Results, cont. • Parents’ reactions to Singapore Math ranged from enthusiasm to frustration.

3. Journal Results • Teachers wrote that students liked using place value disks – a helpful hands-on manipulative to assist students grasp the concept of place value. • Teachers wrote that students enjoyed activities, games, and manipulatives. - the students showed enthusiasm in class. - Students described these parts of math class as “fun”.

4. Classroom Observation • Some teachers – tended to emphasize low-level cognitive processes in their instruction – rarely asked students to draw associations to real-world contexts • accountability pressure and time constraints? • preponderance of teacher instruction at the expense of higher cognitive instruction, deeper questioning, and more occasions for cooperative student learning?

Second Year, 2009 -2010 • No design changes in the second year of the study – i. e. same data collection instruments, teachers volunteer to participate, fifth grade classes added, compare first and second year data. • Data collected in the second year will - Determine student comprehension and achievement, fidelity of curriculum implementation.

Student Performance: Things to Keep in Mind • Testing occurred during most teachers’ first year using new curriculum • Most students in higher grades (e. g. , 3 rd and 4 th) had not previously been taught Singapore Math • Data we are really interested in will not be available for 3 -4 more years.

Student Performance: CRCT School Mean Math Score by Grade

Student Performance: CRCT Percent Change in Mean Math Score

Student Performance: CRCT Students Meeting Min. Requirements

Students Meeting CRCT Math Req. ’s Change in Percentage Points

Student Performance: ITBS Mean Percentile Ranking in Math

Student Performance: ITBS Change in Mean Percentile Ranking

Concluding Thoughts • Teacher training and support are essential • Not a “drop-in” solution, especially at higher grades (need phased approach) • Parent “buy-in” is important • Will take time to see full impact