AVID mathematics staff development and its effects on middle school achievement

In California low mathematics test scores have raised questions on how to effectively prepare all students in mathematics. The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program has effectively prepared disadvantaged and minority students to gain admission in the California State College System This study investigated the effects AVID trained mathematics teachers were having on their middle school students' achievement and attitude towards mathematics. The study did not focus on students in the AVID program.;Two districts with a total of 10 middle schools were studied. 3000 students were sampled from 21 AVID trained teachers who were matched with 21 non-AVID trained teachers by years of experience and college major. Data collected were initial and final mathematics grades, SAT 9 total and problem-solving scores, algebra placement, and scores on a district administered open-ended question (focus). Additional data were collected on 500 students from ten volunteer AVID trained and non-AVID trained teachers who administered the TIMSS questions, an open-ended problem ( CLAS) and an attitude survey.;The AVID/Non-AVID categories were divided into five groups based on initial mathematics grades. Student gender, ethnicity, teacher major and teaching experience were also studied. Data were analyzed using: One-Way ANOVAs and t-tests: for AVID/Non-AVID categories; ANOCOVAs for prior differences between categories.;Eleven major findings were determined of which the most significant were: (1) Non-AVID trained teachers' students scored higher on standardized multiple-choice tests: total SAT 9. SAT 9 problem-solving, and TIMSS questions. (2) AVID trained teachers' students were placed in larger numbers in algebra and had a better attitude towards mathematics. (3) Female students from both groups had a higher mathematics achievement and a more positive attitude towards mathematics.;The study initiated the following questions. Is AVID training an effective tool for the improvement of mathematics instruction? Do seventh and eighth grade students taught by an AVID trained mathematics teacher differ in their level of achievement and attitudes towards mathematics from their peers taught by a non-AVID trained teacher? How successful are AVID trained mathematics teachers in placing students in algebra?...