3:45pm | University professors from California State Long Beach (CSULB) will begin working with algebra teachers in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) to assist in professional development and attempt to close achievement gaps among student subgroups. The effort is part of a four-year, $996,284 grant that will affect mathematics classes at local high schools including Cabrillo, Jordan, Poly, Millikan and Lakewood.

The effort, entitled “Project EQALS: Evidenced-based, Quality Professional Development in Algebra for Learners’ Success,” is possible because of a grant from the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC). The CSULB colleges of Education, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics will partner with the LBUSD classrooms. CSULB has embraced Project EQALS as a way to assist widening achievement gaps and low mathematics proficiency gaps within the LBUSD.

“Long Beach Unified’s high schools show an achievement gap between high performing and low-performing subgroups, including Latino and African American students, English learners and students with disabilities.  This gap is particularly evident in algebra,” said Cara Richards-Tutor, associate professor of advanced studies in education and counseling. Richards-Tutor and associate professor of mathematics and statistics Babette Benken will co-direct the project.  

“The primary focus of this project is to improve the math achievement of all students through a professional development program for high school algebra teachers,” Richards-Tutor said. “At the same time, we are hoping to help close the achievement gap that exists among students within the district.”

Professors will help develop intensive summer development for teachers and provide on-going and on-site support in the classrooms.

“Long Beach Unified is implementing changes to their algebra curriculum beginning this year,” noted Benken, who is also the graduate advisor for mathematics education at CSULB.  “Professional development is needed to help teachers learn how to adapt to the changes and utilize best practices.  This will help increase proficiency and reduce gaps among various subgroups of students.”