PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS' CORNER

Dear Educator,

We are delighted that you are visiting the Pathways to Math Achievement study website to learn more about this project. This study is one of the ways we are trying to accomplish the Regional Education Laboratory—Northeast and Islands (REL-NEI) mission of improving student achievement in the region, by identifying and testing promising educational interventions.

During our regional needs analysis, it was clear that expanding access to high-level math curricula was and is one of the most urgent issues to address. Examining how access to Algebra I in 8th grade may be improved by offering the course online also addresses the regional priorities of deploying instructional technology effectively and ensuring that highly qualified teachers are available to students.

The impact study we have designed has been carefully and critically reviewed by the Department of Education, and we are confident in the quality of the project we have set out to do.

We are thrilled about the widespread interest across Maine and Vermont of schools participating in this project. We are pleased to be able to help improve 8th grade access to Algebra I, particularly in some of the region’s small and rural schools. We recognize how busy schools and how limited resources are, and so we are providing all the materials and professional development free of charge.

As you look through the study website, feel free to contact us – we’d be delighted to answer any questions you might have. Our toll-free number is 1-866-261-2295. Our email addresses are tduncan@air.org and pclements@edc.org.

Very best wishes,

Teresa Garcia Duncan, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator	Margaret (Peggy) Clements, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator