Teachers' Perceptions of the Impact of a Remedial Math Program on Student Success

Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of a Remedial Math Program on Student Success by Wintter Naitalya Samuel MED, Georgia College and State University, 2007 BS, Albany State, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University April 2018 Abstract Mathematics scores of middle school students are a major concern for educators, community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers regarding (a) Voyager Math (VM) as a tool to improve students’ academic performance and (b) their ideas about its implementation. The theoretical foundation was guided by the theories of discovery learning, sociocultural theory, expectancy theory, and social constructivism. The research questions addressed how teachers in Grades 6-8 implemented the VM program and perceived mathematics learning effectiveness. Data collection included administrator and teacher interviews, classroom observations, and related documents of one middle school in a single southeastern school district. Twelve purposefully selected 6-8 grade mathematics teachers and 2 administrators participated in classroom observations and semistructured interviews at the research site to provide triangulated data. Data were recorded and transcribed, then analyzed and coded for themes. Teachers and administrators agreed that the VM program was an effective remedial mathematics program. The results revealed differences in remedial mathematics teaching strategies, how students are grouped according to mathematics scores, and an overall emphasis placed on mathematics throughout the school. The implications for social change include educational leaders implementing relevant professional development classes and understanding teachers’ experiences.Mathematics scores of middle school students are a major concern for educators, community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers regarding (a) Voyager Math (VM) as a tool to improve students’ academic performance and (b) their ideas about its implementation. The theoretical foundation was guided by the theories of discovery learning, sociocultural theory, expectancy theory, and social constructivism. The research questions addressed how teachers in Grades 6-8 implemented the VM program and perceived mathematics learning effectiveness. Data collection included administrator and teacher interviews, classroom observations, and related documents of one middle school in a single southeastern school district. Twelve purposefully selected 6-8 grade mathematics teachers and 2 administrators participated in classroom observations and semistructured interviews at the research site to provide triangulated data. Data were recorded and transcribed, then analyzed and coded for themes. Teachers and administrators agreed that the VM program was an effective remedial mathematics program. The results revealed differences in remedial mathematics teaching strategies, how students are grouped according to mathematics scores, and an overall emphasis placed on mathematics throughout the school. The implications for social change include educational leaders implementing relevant professional development classes and understanding teachers’ experiences. Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impact of a Remedial Math Program on Student Success by Wintter Naitalya Samuel MED, Georgia College and State University, 2007 BS, Albany State, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University April 2018 Dedication This study is dedicated to my mother Cheryl who has inspired me to reach beyond the stars because there is an entire universe awaiting my arrival. To my oldest son, CJ, you are the reason I have so much determination to continue when the road gets tough. To my husband, Charles, I am thankful for all the encouragement you have given me and I love you. To Keron and Jayden, your resilience and excitement helped me through this process. To my dad James, brother, and sisters thank you for teaching me how to survive. Thank you for the love and support. Acknowledgements A huge thank you to Demetria because without you I would have truly given up on this process. To Dr. Mansur, thank you for everything. You helped me overcome so many challenges and obstacles. Thank you Dr. Castro for sticking with me throughout the years and challenging me to become better. Dr. Mansur, Dr. Castro, and Dr. E. this would not be possible without your support and guidance.