Beginning this school year, all public school districts in the state will be able to implement the Algebra Nation program. The program is designed to help students perform better in the Algebra I course and has been piloted in 30 districts over the last two years.
According to the Mississippi Department of Education, the Algebra Nation program includes custom-developed Algebra I resources, supports, student performance reports and professional development for teachers. The program also extends learning outside of the classroom by providing a virtual community of teachers and students that collaborate and learn online.
Algebra Nation pilot program districts experienced a 7.2 percent increase in the percentage of students scoring at proficient or advanced on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) compared to a 4.8 percent increase for non-Algebra Nation pilot program districts on the spring 2017 Algebra I assessment.
“Mississippi students are benefiting from the instructional support Algebra Nation provides,” said Dr. Marla Davis, MDE bureau director, and mathematics content specialist. “The program’s flexibility allows each district to use it in a manner that fits their individual needs and capacity.”
Algebra Nation staff, in partnership with the MDE, are hosting approximately 10 regional trainings for teachers around the state during the months of August and September.
The Algebra Nation program is being extended to all school districts through a $500,000 appropriation from the Mississippi Legislature.
