ALPHA Center

About NSF Mathematical ACTS

ACTS is a 5-year project funded by the National Science Foundation, based on the partnership between UC Riverside and Jurupa Unified School District. The goal is to improve student preparation for and achievement in Algebra I, by providing professional development to pre-service and in-service teachers and by providing additional support and enrichment activities to students.

ACTS seeks to raise achievement and close achievement gaps in mathematics for all Jurupa students through a series of programs (150 hours annually) for teachers and students. 

Benefits

Algebra I, considered the gatekeeper class for higher mathematics courses and entrance in to colleges and universities, is targeted by ACTS. Targeted students are those in grades four through nine, during which students will be introduced to Algebra in the first year, culminating in completion of Algebra I in the final year.

ACTS seeks to aid the professional development of teachers of mathematics, specifically Algebra. The effects of professional development on the teaching of and subsequent achievement of students are studied in a research design that includes: 

• Comparison of teacher baseline knowledge and post ACTS intervention knowledge and use of mathematics and pedagogy.
• Assessment of the integrity of implementation of ACTS teaching strategies in the classroom.
• Assessment of the value added in the classroom by tracking the rate of student achievement growth in targeted and control (wait-listed) classrooms.
• Assessment of the value added by tracking the induction of new mathematics and science teachers.
• Case studies of teacher and school implementation within one school site.
• Assessment of benchmarks of systemic change for both UCR and JUSD.