Question

Last year, after much discussion and debate, the principal of an elementary school with low performance in mathematics led staff in making a decision to begin a new mathematics program. The principal arranged initial and ongoing support for faculty in implementing the new program.

Which of the following actions by the principal would best serve to evaluate the effectiveness of the new program?

Choose an answer
A. conducting observations in each teacher's classroom during periods when the teacher's class is using the program
B. comparing the performance exhibited by students on standardized mathematics assessments before and after adoption of the program
C. scheduling regular debriefs with those individuals who have been providing teachers with program-related support
D. having teachers report on changes in the gap between mathematics standards and student performance since they began using the program

Answer 1

Comparing standardized mathematics assessments before and after implementing the new program is the best way to measure its effectiveness, providing clear, quantifiable data on its impact on student learning outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the new mathematics program initiated by the elementary school principal, option B, which involves comparing the performance exhibited by students on standardized mathematics assessments before and after the adoption of the program, would best serve this purpose. This method provides quantifiable data and directly measures the impact of the program on student learning outcomes. Observing changes in test scores will provide clear evidence of whether students' mathematical capabilities have improved since implementing the new program.