#United States #Alabama #BW Walch #OGAP #AMSTI

Strengthening Math Education in Alabama

BW Walch has made significant strides in supporting mathematics education across Alabama through its renewed partnership with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). This extended collaboration aims to further enhance the quality of math instruction and learning outcomes for students in grades K-8 by scaling implementation of the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP).

Since the inception of the partnership, OGAP has become a cornerstone of Alabama's effort to boost math achievement. This initiative focuses on professional learning for educators, equipping them with meaningful tools and resources drawn from extensive educational research. The importance of this program is underscored by recent statewide assessments, which indicate that while students' math proficiency declined during the pandemic, Alabama has been recovering faster than many other states. In fact, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and Opportunity Project's Recovery Explorer, Alabama has seen marked progress in math proficiency rates for both fourth and eighth graders since 2022, showcasing strong advancements in districts where AMSTI and OGAP are actively implemented.

Al Noyes, CEO of BW Walch, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with AMSTI shows the potential impact of providing teachers with evidence-based professional learning that deepens their comprehension of students' mathematical understanding. OGAP enables educators to move beyond simply marking right or wrong answers by allowing them to explore the reasoning behind students' thoughts, thereby addressing misconceptions and facilitating deeper learning experiences. We are proud of our continued collaboration and dedicated support for Alabama's efforts to enhance math education."

The OGAP is built upon research conducted by the National Science Foundation and provides teachers with both pedagogical and subject matter expertise necessary for transformative instruction. Its framework offers a standardized language across different grade levels and teaching curricula, which helps ensure consistent, research-informed math instruction—promoting a deeper understanding of math concepts and bolstering student success across the nation.

As a part of the renewed partnership, BW Walch and AMSTI will be rolling out additional professional development opportunities for educators. They will enhance support for district-level implementation and introduce innovative online tools aimed at fostering ongoing coaching and collaboration amongst educators.

This partnership not only reflects a commitment to improving math education within Alabama’s school system but also highlights the necessity of continuous professional development for teachers. In a constantly changing educational climate, providing educators with the appropriate support and resources is crucial for creating enduring and positive change.

Furthermore, OGAP's methodology has been nationally recognized for its effectiveness in elevating math achievement, boasting an ESSA Tier I Strong Evidence rating. This speaks volumes about the program's quality and the potential for replication in other regions seeking to improve their math education frameworks.

For those interested in learning more about the OGAP professional learning initiative, further information can be accessed through their dedicated website at www.ogapmathllc.com.

In conclusion, as BW Walch and AMSTI continue their partnership, the emphasis will remain on fostering a learning environment where teachers can thrive, students can succeed, and mathematics can be appreciated at all levels. The implications of their work not only affect classrooms in Alabama but also promise a brighter future for math education across the country.