Loyola Marymount University announced that its math and science teaching program continues to make a difference, as shown by the recent increase in the California High School Exit Exam scores at six urban Los Angeles Charter High Schools. All schools experienced a statistically significant increase in scores, with an overall total increase of 15 percentage points from 2007 to 2008.
For the past school year, the Math and Science Teaching (MAST) program, part of the Center for Math and Science Teaching at LMU, worked with six Alliance-for-College Ready schools, a nonprofit charter school management organization. The six schools, all throughout Los Angeles, include Gertz Ressler, Heritage, Huntington Park, CRAHS, Ouchi and Stern MASS.
“This innovative math and science teaching program improves the quality of math and science instruction,” said Shane Martin, dean of the School of Education. “By creating an environment of effective and engaging math and science educators, the MAST program is ultimately enhancing student learning.”
Of the six, Huntington Park improved the most from 2007 to 2008, increasing its math scores by 12 percent, from 60 to 72. Gertz Ressler scored the highest, climbing from 82 percent to 91 percent on the test. Heritage went from 63 percent in 2007 to 72 percent in 2008. CRAHS, Ouchi and Stern MASS received 87 percent, 88 and 88 percent respectively, a significant increase when looking at the comparative results of the other schools for 2007.
“The success of the Alliance schools is due in part to the MAST program,” said Judy Burton, president and CEO of Alliance. “These educators have greatly benefited our network of schools.”
The MAST program works to improve teachers’ classroom instruction and leadership skills and aims to increase student engagement and knowledge of mathematics. Designed and taught by LMU faculty, LMU faculty members work with the faculty at the Alliance schools, tailoring each program at each participating school and designed to meet the needs of math and science teachers and students. The program also improves the quality and effectiveness of teaching. It enhances student-learning, proficiency and closes the achievement gap in math and science. MAST also motivates to retain competent and dedicated math and science teachers. As shown by this year’s California exit exam scores, the interaction leads to higher student scores on standardized achievement tests.