Using Formative Assessment to Identify and Address Mathematics Learning Gaps in Grades 6–8 Instruction

Source abstract

Mathematics learning gaps in the middle grades are a major barrier to students' academic achievement. This paper presents a quantitative synthesis of the background regarding the use of formative assessments to identify and remediate mathematics learning gaps in Grades 6-8. The synthesis shows that formative assessments improve students' mathematics skills. For example, the sample-weighted effect sizes of the interventions that were studied ranged from 0.16 to 0.52, with a weighted mean of 0.28. Criterion-related validity coefficients between the formative assessments and the state-wide mathematics assessments ranged from 0.61 to 0.80. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves also showed an area under the curve of 0.82, indicating high classification accuracy for students based on their mathematics skills. Four tables in the paper present the results of the literature synthesis on the use of formative assessments in mathematics classrooms. These tables show that the most common learning gaps in mathematics in Grades 6-8 relate to fractions, place value, proportional reasoning, and pre-algebraic thinking. Overall, the results show that using formative assessments in mathematics classrooms is a workable way to reduce learning gaps among students in Grades 6-8.