Algebra

Having students enter high school “unready” for algebra is not a new or rare problem. The challenges, frankly, are vast. Students identified as “unready” are extremely varied, as are the reasons they are included in specialized classes. Some, for example, are mathematically competent, but included “for English language support.” More, of course, have some difficulty specific to mathematics. Of those, many are weak in arithmetic.

One thread of the CADRE Algebra SIG discussion has focused on obstacles to student success in elementary algebra. For example, proficiency in numerical calculations with integers and rational numbers is often raised as a prerequisite for success in algebra; yet many students who have these skills still find algebra difficult. The panel will discuss other potential ingredients to success in high school algebra that are often short-changed in school mathematics and school culture.

This session will critically examine conjectured Early Algebra Learning Progressions for grades 3–8 for coherence, alignment, and completeness.

In this panel discussion, panelists will identify some ideas that are becoming well-established by researchers even though they were by no means evident just 15–20 years ago and are yet to be assimilated into curricula and teacher education programs. They will identify what they consider to be critical issues for children to make progress in algebra in grades 1–5.