The impact of seventh and eighth grade mathematics curricula realigned to the New Jersey mathematics standards on student achievement

This longitudinal study investigated the impact of seventh and eighth grade mathematics curricula realigned to the New Jersey mathematics standards on student achievement. This study focused on change taking place before, during and after the realignment of curricula on student achievement during three years of the realignment intervention from 2006 through 2008. Multiple cohorts provided variance in participants and comparison groups to compare during the study.;New Jersey state assessment mean raw scores provided data from multiple cohorts representing the total population, special education, and economically disadvantaged subgroups. Descriptive analysis found a pattern of mean raw scores increasing as curricula became more closely aligned to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Mathematics Standards. Inferential analysis determined significant differences between the mean of mathematics scores between seventh and eighth grade cohorts. Linear regression of mathematics scores indicated NJASK 6 and 7 mathematics scores were good predictors of NJASK 8 student mathematics performance.;Implications from this research indicated that curricula realignment to NJ math standards had a positive impact on all students. On grade level instruction should be provided for all students including the special education students placed in the mainstream or in resource room instruction.