Program Spotlight: Access to Algebra
“Access to Algebra has been invaluable in my classroom! It gives middle school students the opportunity to engage in rigorous, high-level math earlier, building confidence and strengthening problem-solving skills….it has given me the guidance, resources and support I need to successfully implement higher-level math, ensuring my students are challenged, supported and set up for continued success.”
-Jami Belcher, Middle Grades Math Teacher at Elkhorn City Elementary School in Pike County
AdvanceKentucky’s Access to Algebra Program is a three-year incentive-based program fostering rigor in the middle school math classroom. Its mission is to increase student achievement and growth in middle school mathematics as well as participation in grade 8 Algebra 1. Access to Algebra has existed since 2017 but, since its inclusion in the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act, has expanded its teacher training, growing from 17 to 48 schools, increasing the number of students served from 5,214 to more than 13,000 and expanding professional learning to over 300 middle school math teachers.
Access to Algebra provides support for grades 6-8 teachers and students in these areas: 1) Teacher Training and Content Support; 2) Funding for Math Instructional Supplies; 3) Student goal setting and College Readiness Tracking; and 4) Teacher and Student Incentives.
Over the course of three years, teachers receive 72 hours of math content training through Foundations for Teaching and Learning (FTL). The training provides classroom-ready resources as well as pedagogical discussion. FTL is not a curriculum, but rather a supplemental set of rigorous hands-on resources that enhance existing high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs). In addition to FTL teacher training, teachers receive ongoing support from Access to Algebra’s Math Content Managers via classroom visits, vertical teaming and HQIR implementation.
Classroom funding for program schools provides math instructional supplies for grades 6-8 for each of the three years in the program. Teachers may purchase materials that will enhance their math instruction.
To track student performance, Access to Algebra uses College Board’s PSAT 8/9 exam, which is given to all grade 7 and 8 students each spring for 4 years. The PSAT 8/9, which is in the SAT suite of assessments, is an excellent indicator of skill aptitude and college readiness. Grade 8 students earn monetary incentives ($50 checks) in one of two ways: 1) Achievement - meeting the College Readiness benchmark of 430, or 2) Growth – increasing their score by 70 points from grade 7 to grade 8. In addition, school goals are set based on the number of grade 8 students meeting benchmark, which equates to a monetary bonus for all math teachers in grades 6-8.
For more information visit: Access to Algebra | AdvanceKentucky
Simpson County Spotlight
Simpson County Schools is transforming elementary mathematics through the strategic implementation of Eureka Math². By prioritizing intellectual preparation and consistent implementation monitoring, the district has fostered a classroom culture where student discourse and critical thinking are at the forefront of every lesson. This commitment to data-driven professional learning ensures that educators are equipped to meet students' needs while maintaining the high level of rigor required for long-term mathematical success.
Please read the full article on the KyStandards website.
Don't Miss the KY Numeracy Counts Newsletter
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