Date of Award
4-1-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Neil Mathur, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Jessica deValentino, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jeanette Amayo, Ed.D.
Abstract
This study was based on a quasi-experimental design and consisted of a comparative group (students taught using traditional math instruction) and an experiential group (students taught using math instruction embedded with science standards). The study focused on whether embedding science standards into the instruction of mathematics would improve standardized test scores in mathematics of students in the sixth grade. The embedded lessons were designed by the researcher. Data collection was conducted using an online platform called ALEKS (a screener), a survey that measured student perceptions of efficacy toward math, and students’ math pre and post-tests using test scores as measured by the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The results revealed that there was no difference in achievement gains regarding STAAR standardized test scores in mathematics between students who were taught using traditional math instruction and students taught using math instruction embedded with science standards. However, students’ perceptions of self-efficacy, as it relates to math, increased in those receiving instruction embedded with science standards, in comparison to the students in the traditional math class.