Teaching to Talent: Evaluating an Enriched and Accelerated Mathematics Program

Abstract

The authors present an evaluation of the Gifted Math Program, which was established in 1984 and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. Mathematics achievement, and mathematics preferences were assessed for second-seventh grade students who participated in the program, as compared with students who were accepted but did not participate. Significant differences were found on mathematical achievement favoring students in the program. The two groups did not differ on stated preferences for learning math, however, the groups differed dramatically on expressed opportunities in math. The authors conclude that there are programs which can address the needs of bright young mathematicians.