When looking at the variables that had an effect on student math scores in the elementary level, there was minimal difference between the scores for either gender. While it may be assumed that boys are naturally more math inclined, this indicates that girls are doing just as well. There are other factors that impact test scores both positively and negatively while other factors have little to no impact.
Strategies that Improve Elementary Math Test Scores
The amount of time spent on math during the course of one week does have an impact on student scores. The optimal time according to data from the National Center for Educational Statistics [accessed on February 11, 2009], is 3-5 hours a week. Additionally, classes where students were grouped based on ability scored higher than those that were not grouped. Other strategies that improved test scores include students that indicated that they enjoyed the things they did during math class and the frequent use of problem sets
Strategies that Hurt Elementary Math Test Scores
While sending homework home for students to complete each evening is helpful in small amounts, it appears that an excess of 15 minutes can actually hurt. Other activities that seem to negatively impact student test scores include classes with more than 26 students and use of the computer in math class. Avoiding these strategies does not guarantee that students will receive higher math test scores, but it may help.
Strategies that Have No Impact on Elementary Math Test Scores
The frequency in which teachers assign written responses has little impact upon student's test scores, although not assigning any written responses at all correlates with lower scores. Likewise, other things that have no impact on student scores include:
- Individual and group assignments
- Multiple choice tests
- Use of the computer to play math games
- use of the computer for drill or practice in math
- Math specialist to provide enrichment
- Math specialist to provide remediation
While some of this information may be surprising, other strategies may seem like common sense to many teachers. Focusing on making math enjoyable and sending appropriate amounts of homework home with students will help students learn math more effectively, and consequently raise their test scores. While many strategies that teachers utilize in the classroom may have little impact on the student's test scores, they may go a long way towards making math class more enjoyable for the students.
Learn more information on raising test scores for state testing. You may also be interested in more information on teaching math, including how to teach students with a math disability.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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