| In California, at the time of this study, the CAHSEE determined if a student will graduate with a high school diploma or receive a certificate of completion of high school requirements. Although students may have completed all their high school credits, if they do not pass the CAHSEE, then the student will not receive a high school diploma or a certificate of completion. The CAHSEE is administered the first time to tenth graders; therefore, the exam can only assess a tenth grade level. Because the CAHSEE is a high-stakes exam, many stakeholders are looking for a solution to help students pass the exam and graduate. In addition, the CAHSEE affects not just the students' graduating status, it also affects the school's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). This dissertation interviews Algebra I teachers to determine their perceptions on the following topics: (a) What are the Algebra I standards on which the teachers' focus, (b) what instructional strategies are used in the classroom, and (c) what type of assessments are used by the teachers? Findings in this study suggest that many factors are involved besides just teaching Algebra I and preparing students for the CAHSEE. Teachers must balance what happens before class, in class, and after class. Another point that was discovered during this study was the importance of resources for the teachers. Teachers need to be able to communicate openly with administration about their needs. Finally, administrators need to help teachers grow professionally for the betterment of the school's math programs, CAHSEE, and, most importantly, for the sake of the students. |
