Algebra by 7th Grade. Tracking to Excellence.
Tracking to Excellence. Algebra by 7th Grade (Ab7G) is a 5-year, elementary program that aims to increase the number of underrepresented students that are academically prepared to take algebra by improving achievement and attitudes towards math and providing STEM exposure opportunities. Working with third through seventh graders, we promote student self-efficacy, unite students with college student mentors, and partner with parents along this educational journey. Duke Energy and Chevron are corporate sponsors of the Ab7G program.
Our Work
Engaging students at the elementary level is critical to increasing exposure, interest, and most importantly, preparedness to enter into STEM-related studies and eventually careers. One critical indicator of preparedness is math performance. With only 8% of Black and 22% of Hispanic students proficient in mathematics at the 12th-grade levels, the pipeline of students qualified to pursue STEM-related fields is staggeringly low.
Our work through the Algebra by 7th Grade program is the Minority Engineering Program's first outreach at the elementary level. We are passionate about stepping up to this challenge by launching this after-school program at the elementary level, knowing that early support translates into lifelong success.
Our Mission
Our program mission is to increase the number of underrepresented students that are academically prepared to take algebra.
Beginning in the third-seventh grade, we work to promote high student self-efficacy, unite students with college student mentors and partner with parents along this educational journey. Students, parents and mentors represent the core pillars of the program that are key to promoting a culturally relevant environment for academic support and student success.
Promoting student self-efficacy
Students maximize learning through engaging online and in-session learning, group exercises, hands-on projects, meaningful mentor assignments, and exposure to practicing STEM professionals. This multifaceted approach is designed to accelerate math mastery, support student growth and attitudes toward learning.
Partnering with parents
Parents attend Saturday sessions with their children. During the sessions, parents are involved in a separate "track" of the program. The Parent Track involves discussions concerning national trends of math proficiency, reviewing math concepts related to their child's learning objectives and engaging in fun projects!
Believing in the power of mentoring
Mentors facilitate blended learning environments using a combination of web-based and tactile engaging exercises that are designed to support a culturally responsible learning environment. Hard work, achievement and fun are promoted during each session, as math mastery and growth mindset are supported.
Our History
On Feb. 11, 2013, more than 20 national organizations dedicated to minority inclusion in science, technology, engineering and math fields were invited to the White House to discuss priorities for underrepresented minorities in STEM. The day ended with eight identified priorities from the assemblage - with the top priority being K-12 education.
Following that meeting, the organizations present reconvened to discuss how to work collaboratively to support K-12 STEM education and to increase the number of underrepresented students who are able to pursue a STEM career. A subset of the convening organizations signed on to pursue the goal of ensuring that every 7th grade student in the U.S. is academically prepared to take algebra.
The Algebra by 7th Grade program, through a partnership with the Lafayette School Corporation Elementary Schools, was piloted in 2017 at Purdue University. Starting in the third grade and continuing through the seventh grade, Ab7G families meet at Purdue University two Saturdays per month to engage with mentors and staff to practice math concepts and engage in hands-on projects. By completion of the seventh grade, students are projected to be more than a year ahead of their current grade level.