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Experimental Evaluation of the Effects of a Research-Based Preschool Mathematics Curriculum

An RCT showed that Building Blocks classes had positive effects on math environment and teaching, as well as more growth than control students.

  • Math
  • Intervention
  • Number Worlds
  • ESSA Tier I (Strong)
  • Preschool
  • PreK-12
  • Research
  • Building Blocks
  • New York

Description

Article Abstract

A randomized-trials design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a preschool mathematics program based on a comprehensive model of research-based curricula development. Thirty-six preschool classrooms were assigned to experimental (Building Blocks), comparison (a different preschool mathematics curriculum), or control conditions. Children were individually pre- and posttested, participating in 26 weeks of instruction in between. Observational measures indicated that the curricula were implemented with fidelity, and the experimental condition had significant positive effects on classrooms’ mathematics environment and teaching. The experimental group score increased significantly more than the comparison group score (effect size = 0.47) and the control group score (effect size = 1.07). Early interventions can increase the quality of the mathematics environment and help preschoolers develop a foundation of mathematics knowledge.

Citation

Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2008). Experimental evaluation of the effects of a research-based preschool mathematics curriculum. American Educational Research Journal, 45(2), 443–494