Skip to main content

Effective Mathematics Instruction: The Importance of Curriculum

A study examined the effectiveness of using CMC with 4th grade students. The CMC group had better performance in math assessments than their peers.

  • Math
  • Intervention
  • ESSA Tier II (Moderate)
  • Elementary School
  • 4th Grade
  • Wisconsin
  • PreK-12
  • Research
  • Connecting Math Concepts

Description

Article Abstract

A two-year study was conducted in two fourth grade classrooms to evaluate the effectiveness of two mathematics curricula. During the first year, Teacher A used a Direct Instruction program, Connecting Math Concepts (CMC), and Teacher B used a traditional math basal textbook published by Scott, Foresman. During the first year, the CMC group scored significantly higher on the computation subtest of the National Achievement Test and on curriculum-based tests constructed from the CMC and basal programs as well as on a multiplication facts test. The next year Teacher B also used the CMC program, and achievement in Teacher B’s classroom was significantly greater than the previous year, on the curriculum-based tests and the multiplication facts test. This suggests that the curriculum was the critical variable responsible for higher student achievement. Implications for textbook adoption and selection are discussed.

Research Citation

Crawford, D. B., & Snider, V. E. (2000). Effective mathematics instruction the importance of curriculum. Education and Treatment of Children, 23(2), 122-142.