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BW Walch's OGAP Professional Learning: A Breakthrough in Math Education

BW Walch is proud to announce that its OGAP (Ongoing Assessment Project) Professional Learning program has been rated as a Tier I Strong Evidence program by Evidence for ESSA under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This esteemed recognition places OGAP among a select group of K-8 math professional development programs nationwide that adhere to the highest research-based impact standards enforced by federal criteria.

Jessica Jeffers, Division Manager of OGAP Math, emphasizes the criticality of this program in bridging persistent learning gaps in mathematics. She states, "At a time when closing math learning gaps is critical, OGAP stands out for its capability to empower teachers with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to enhance instruction and accelerate student learning." Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on dashboards or benchmark tests, OGAP delivers professional development aimed at enhancing teacher expertise in both mathematics content and effective teaching strategies.

The evaluation process utilized a randomized controlled trial facilitated by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE), based at the University of Pennsylvania, with funding support from the National Science Foundation. This extensive study evaluated the implementation of OGAP across Grades 3-5 in 61 schools within the School District of Philadelphia, involving a robust analytical sample of 3,488 students. The outcomes, published in the American Journal of Education and systematically reviewed by Evidence for ESSA, revealed that OGAP had achieved an impressive average effect size of +0.20. Notably, students participating in OGAP schools outperformed their peers in control schools on Pennsylvania's standardized math test (PSSA).

Furthermore, the study highlighted that teachers involved in the OGAP program displayed a heightened understanding of student mathematical thinking, verified by the Teacher Assessment of Student Knowledge. It is worth noting that OGAP distinguishes itself as the only professional learning system for K-5 education to have attained an ESSA Tier I Strong rating, while simultaneously boasting the highest effect size among all K-8 professional learning programs evaluated.

The structured approach of OGAP enhances teacher proficiency across four critical strands of mathematics: additive, multiplicative, fractional, and proportional reasoning. This systematic vertical alignment effectively aids districts in reducing the risk of students encountering difficulties in Algebra. Jeffers elaborates, "OGAP provides teachers with more than just tools; it fosters profound expertise in both math content and pedagogical techniques, enabling them to gain insights into student reasoning and respond with accuracy. This ESSA Strong Evidence rating confirms what districts consistently affirm; OGAP not only augments current instructional practices but also fortifies the foundational education from K-8, thereby preparing more students for success in Algebra."

As a unique form of professional development, OGAP empowers educators to leverage their existing instructional materials more effectively rather than replace them with new curriculum components. The comprehensive training program encompasses summer institutes, sustained Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions, coaching, and access to valuable resources, including learning progressions and a diagnostic item bank featuring hundreds of assessment probes. These tools enable teachers to pinpoint misconceptions in students' understanding at early stages.

In conclusion, Jeffers states, "This recent research verifies that OGAP is transformative for both educators and students. By concentrating on learning trajectories and developing students' reasoning abilities, OGAP significantly aids teachers in recognizing misconceptions sooner, thus steering learners toward more robust mathematical reasoning."

For those interested in exploring more about the OGAP professional learning initiative, visit www.ogapmathllc.com.

About BW Walch

BW Walch stands as a prominent provider of innovative mathematics solutions, including the OGAP professional learning program and tailored mathematics curriculums that empower educators and students to achieve their academic aspirations. With a solid commitment to evidence-based practices and extensive expertise in mathematics education, BW Walch works with schools and districts across the nation to foster sustainable improvements in teaching and learning.