Evaluation of Supplemental Math Intervention in a Montessori Context

Abstract

Number Rockets is a tutor delivered math intervention program for 1st grade. A randomized control trial of Number Rockets found significant improvements in math computation and concept and application skills for 1st graders. Number Rockets tutoring was associated with improvements in math achievement for at-risk 1st graders. Rolfus and colleagues (2012) completed a large-scale effectiveness trial for Number Rockets across 76 schools. Tutors were trained community members, not educators. Tutoring participants demonstrated higher scores on broad measures of math achievement. While evidence exists to support the effectiveness of Number Rockets, no studies have examined transportability of the program to diverse educational settings. Given that the Montessori Method of instruction involves in a student directed rather than teacher directed learning, research on Number Rockets outcomes in a Montessori setting is needed.