Incorporating Computer Programming into Middle School Mathematics Curricula to Enhance Learning for Low Performing, Underserved Students

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Incorporating Computer Programming into Middle School Mathematics Curricula to Enhance Learning for Low Performing Underserved Students is a critical contribution to a national challenge. Improving access to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) landscape for students across the nation is now a national priority. Expanding access to low performing students is particularly important if the nation is to slow the growing divide between those who have access to the technology sector and those who do not. The project infuses computational thinking and programming into students' algebra course experience. Students targeted in the project are 7th-9th grade students in the lowest quartile of mathematics proficiency. Demonstrating a means to not only improve their mathematics' performance, but to effectively engage them in basic computing has the potential to be transformative for this particular sub-set of students.The Algebra Project has developed an effective pedagogical model of algebra instruction over the last 30 years. The project is an experiment in pedagogical innovation. Using MIT App Inventor, students learn basic programming in alignment with core algebraic concepts. The algebra learning modalities are potentially enhanced by greater student engagement and greater development of the logical and analytical thinking necessary to succeed in algebra.