Rural Impact: An Online Math Platform Augmented with Virtual Professional Learning

• In Event: Advancing Mathematics Teaching and Learning Through Targeted Professional Learning and Digital Supports

Abstract

This paper outlines the context, methods, and findings from a quasi-experimental design study examining the impact of an online formative assessment math platform augmented with a virtual Professional Learning Community (vPLC) for middle school math learning. The team focused specifically on teachers and students in rural areas to address the challenge for rural teachers to attend in-person professional learning. The results showed significant improvement for rural students who were below the 50% percentile on the math pre-test, which indicates that the online platform paired with the vPLC provides much needed support for this student population. The authors discuss this finding and its scientific impact for the future of math learning.

Authors

• Mingyu Feng, WestEd

• Linlin Li, WestEd

• Megan Schneider, WestEd