Dissertation Proposal By Daniel D. Fasano October 15, 2013

 "That standards and assessments must be properly aligned is neither new nor controversial. But the need for alignment has acquired new urgency with the escalating use of student assessment results to determine sanctions and rewards for schools, teachers and students" (Ananda 2003, 1)"  The purpose of this research is to examine the alignment between standards, curriculum, instruction and assessment and the changes in first year high school mathematics New York State Regents Examinations.

 One of the defining events in the history of mathematics education was the launching of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in  Concern that the United States was falling behind in the areas of math and science triggered major national reforms in these areas. (Burris 2006)  Three major changes in mathematics education have occurred in the past fifteen years. Math A Integrated Algebra Common Core Algebra

 Policy changes across the board have taken place in New York State Education that have had a great impact on the way students learn and teachers teach. In this day and age, there is a greater need now more than ever for high student achievement in the area of mathematics. This study will analyze and explore the policy changes, and the ways in which these policies have influenced first year high school mathematics.  " STEM education is a new movement in American Education to help teachers and their students understand how the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics impact their world and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.“ (education.com)

“This is the leaders dilemma. On the one hand, failing to act when the environment around you is radically changing leads to extinction. On the other hand, making quick decisions under conditions of mind-racing mania can be equally fatal.” (Fullan, Leading in a Culture of Change)

Michal Fullans view of the Change Process Initiation Implementation Continuation Outcome Curriculum Alignment Instruction Assessment

 Initiation & Curriculum  Factors that affect the initiation process include advocacy from central administration, teacher advocacy, and external change agents (state mandates).  Implementation & Alignment  Factors affecting implementation: characteristics of change (clarity about goals and needs, Quality and practicality of the program), local characteristics (school district, school board, principal, teachers), and external factors (government and other agencies).

 Continuation & Instruction  Continuation depends on the impact of the change which can be both positive and/or negative. Continuation can be influenced by several factors including how the change is built into the structure by way of policy, and how both administrators and teachers are committed to the policy.  Outcome & Assessment  Attention to the following perspectives on the change process may support the achievement of a positive or successful change outcome: A) active initiation and participation, B) pressure, support and negotiation C) changes in skills, thinking, and committed actions and D) overriding problem of ownership

1. How has first year high school mathematics curricula (Algebra) changed of over the past fifteen years? 2. How have the changes impacted instruction over the past fifteen years? 3. What has been the history of alignment between standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment for first year high school mathematics over the past fifteen years? 4. Given the specific expectations of Common Core State Standards, what changes are anticipated regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment?

1. How has first year high school mathematics curricula (Algebra) changed of over the past fifteen years?  With historical research, "some aspect of the past is studied, either by perusing documents of the period or by interviewing individuals who lived during the time." (Fraenkel, Wallen, Hyun. 2012)  In order to get a deeper understanding of the changes that have occurred, an analysis of course curricula guides will be conducted. The curriculum alignment will be reviewed and the researcher will determine what topics have been added, changed, or eliminated.

CourseTopics Added From Previous Course Topics Changed From Previous Course Topics Eliminated From Previous Course Math A Integrated Algebra Common Core Algebra

2. How have the changes impacted instruction over the past fifteen years?  How have these changes in curriculum really impacted teaching?  The researcher will conduct a focus group with various educators that have experienced these changes over the past fifteen years and determine how these curricular changes have specifically affected instruction.  Dr. William Johnson and Dr. William Brosnan

3. What has been the history of alignment between standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment for first year high school mathematics over the past fifteen years? "Curriculum alignment requires a strong link between objectives and assessments, between objectives and instructional activities and materials, and between assessments and instructional activities and materials. In other words, content validity, content coverage, and opportunity to learn are all included within the more general concept of curriculum alignment.“ (Lorin Anderson Theory Into Practice)

Comparison of Time Spent to Questions Asked TopicPercentage of time spent on the topic (Based on 182 days) Percentage of time the topic appears on the Regents Exam

4. Given the specific expectations of Common Core State Standards, what changes are anticipated regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment by educators in Nassau and Suffolk County?  The researcher will follow the reports given by Commissioner King, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  Interviews will be had with current administrators and department chairs to hear what their districts are doing in response to the changes in math curriculum and how they plan to move forward to comply with the changes and ensure that their students are receiving the best math education possible.  Sample Questions:  What changes are in place to address:  Professional Development for teachers  Materials to teach the new Common Core Curriculum  The parents reaction to Common Core

 This study will be limited to schools in Nassau and Suffolk county. The data gathered through focus group questions and interviews will be from the perspective of educators and administrators from Nassau and Suffolk school districts.