ROOT is a teacher-researcher alliance for the improvement of Grades 6-8 math achievement
This website is for educators interested in strategies for improving students’ mathematics achievement, with a focus on problem solving and mathematical modeling. The instructional strategies are organized into the two constructs first described by Hiebert & Grouws (2007):
Explicit Attention to Concepts
Instructional strategies and routines that…
- focus on concepts
- make concepts explicit and public
- emphasize connections
Student Opportunities to Struggle
Instructional strategies and routines in which students…
- focus on sense-making
- apply sustained mental effort
- engage with important math
Video Case Stories
Eight videos showing EAC & SOS in action as middle grades mathematics teachers implement instructional strategies. Includes high quality tasks and other resources.
Instructional Guides
Printable flyers and posters about the EAC and SOS instructional strategies in Grades 6-8 math classes.
Professional Development
We’ve maintained an archive of professional development (PD) modules used in the implementation of the ROOT project. Most of the content will be of limited use going forward, but you’re welcome to read and use the materials.
Key Features of ROOT
- Adopts and extend the EAC/SOS framework for effective middle grades mathematics teaching.
- Focuses on modeling and problem solving, an integral strand of STEM learning.
- Positions teachers as local experts central to development of effective instructional methods.
- Transfers research methods from cluster crossover trial to teaching and professional development settings.