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| Attainment of Algebra I Skills: Cord Applied Mathematics 1 and 2. A two-year secondary student program providing an alternative classroom experience to traditional Algebra I by offering to the student who learns beat in a contextual manner real-life and workplace applications through hands-on activities. |
Audience Learners with an eighth grade, pre-algebra math competency level. Without lowering skill standards, CORD Applied Mathematics challenges students from the middle fifty percentiles and enables them to enter mainstream science and math courses.
Description CORD Applied Mathematics is oriented toward the application and practice of mathematics concepts and skills in hands-on laboratories, and uses practical, world-of-work problems. The curriculum includes not only algebra 1 topics, but topics in geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, quality assurance and quality control, and computer programming. Each of the 36 units in the CORD Applied Mathematics learning materials is an integrated learning package made up of supporting parts: Video Program, Student Text, Teacher's Guide, and text sections such as Laboratory Activities, Student Exercises, Student Handouts, Problem Bank for End of Unit Test, and Glossary. Available for the entire program is an Overview Video, Implementation Resource Book, Multiple Choice Question Bank, and Student Resource Book. Audiovisual support is provided by a unit video program which introduces the math unit and sets the stage for the relevance of mathematics in the world of work. Hands-on Laboratory Activities make mathematics concepts come to life. CORD Applied Mathematics addresses National Educational Goals 3 and 5.
Evidence of Effectiveness Before beginning CORD Applied Mathematics, students on the average, have exhibited lower mathematical abilities than students in the traditional algebra 1 class. Algebra exit exam scores were analyzed from students representing twenty sites in thirteen states: results indicate no significant difference between the mean algebra test scores of the CORD Applied Mathematics 2 and algebra 1 classes.
Requirements Two major requirements of the curriculum are as follows: (1) teachers must attend a three-day training for each year of CORD Applied Mathematics, and (2) the class manipulatives must be used. Because the approach to teaching CORD Applied Mathematics courses is very different from the manner in which a more traditional math class is taught, proper teacher training is vital. Classroom equipment must be purchased and used to ensure course content is being taught as intended. Schools implementing CORD Applied Mathematics courses do not need a separate classroom exclusive to CORD Applied Mathematics because materials are transportable for each lab.
Costs To implement CORD Applied Mathematics, teacher training, classroom equipment, and text materials are necessary. The total cost for each year can range from approximately $1,900 to $3,200. After the initial investment in training and materials, subsequent annual costs are reduced to the minimal expense of consumables (generally less than $100 per classroom) and replacement of lost or damaged texts ($1.45 per student unit).
Services Awareness materials are available. Training is conducted at the CORD Teaching Center in Waco, Texas, or training can be arranged at other locations.
Developmental Funding: Center for Occupational Research and Development
PEP No. 94-15 (5/1/94)
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[Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP)]