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Pathway to Algebra

EdReady Montana: Pathway to Algebra Program

The Pathway to Algebra program utilizes EdReady Montana to solve one of the most persistent challenges in K-12 math: ensuring all students enter high school Algebra I with the necessary foundational skills. This free, personalized learning solution focuses on identifying and targeting pre-algebra skill gaps to improve math achievement and create a seamless transition to higher-level mathematics.

Program Summary: Building a Strong Math Foundation

The Pathway to Algebra goal in EdReady Montana is a personalized, adaptive math readiness program designed for middle and high school students. It covers prerequisite arithmetic and pre-algebra concepts essential for success in a formal Algebra I course.

Student points at algebra equation on screen.
  • Diagnostic Assessment: Students begin with a low-stakes diagnostic quiz that quickly assesses their knowledge of core math concepts (typically Grade 5 through Pre-Algebra).
  • Skill-Gap Isolation: EdReady immediately identifies exactly which topics a student has mastered and which topics represent knowledge gaps.
  • Customized Learning Path: The system generates a personalized study path made up only of the topics the student needs to learn or review. Resources include videos, practice problems, and detailed explanations.
  • Algebra Readiness: Students work at their own pace to achieve the target readiness score, guaranteeing they’ve mastered the foundational skills before moving on to an algebra course.

This program is delivered at no cost to any Montana student or school, thanks to the generosity of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

How Schools Use Pathway to Algebra

Schools across Montana utilize the Pathway to Algebra program to strengthen their math pipeline, especially in the transition years:

  • Middle School Intervention: Educators use EdReady as a differentiated instruction tool for students who are performing below grade level in math. Instead of placing students in long, often ineffective, remedial courses, they use EdReady to provide a targeted, individualized “catch-up” plan during advisory periods, math labs, or as a classroom supplement.
  • High School Pre-Assessment/Placement: High schools assign the goal to incoming 9th graders or students enrolling in Algebra I. The EdReady score acts as a valid, low-stakes readiness indicator. Students who fall below the target score complete the study path as a summer assignment or an in-class module to ensure they are prepared for the rigor of the course.
  • Targeted Intervention (usually 30 minutes or less a week): It is used to identify and address individual student outcomes on a daily or weekly basis. Teachers can prioritize specific units and topics to ensure student effort is focused where the learning gaps are greatest.
  • Student Groups: The program is primarily used for:
    • Freshmen who need algebra readiness support.
    • Students in dedicated Algebra Readiness courses.
    • 8th graders enrolled in Pre-algebra classes.
    • 6th or 7th graders preparing for or taking part in advanced math tracks.
  • Placement of new or transfer students – Link to Placement
  • Readiness of students 
  • Skills Assessment – LInk to Skills Assessment

Co-Requisite Support: The goal is assigned as a supplemental resource for students currently struggling in an Algebra I course. Teachers can direct students to specific EdReady modules to review prerequisite skills (e.g., working with fractions, exponents) that are causing issues in the live class.

Example Use Cases

School Level

Student Scenario

EdReady Implementation

Success Outcome

8th Grade

Student has an NWEA MAP RIT score suggesting a risk of failing Algebra I.

Student is assigned the Pathway to Algebra goal during an intervention period.

By focusing only on their gaps, the student achieves the readiness score, enters Algebra I with confidence, and successfully passes the course.

8th Grade

Student Scenario: Student has an NWEA MAP RIT score suggesting a risk of failing Algebra I.

EdReady Implementation: Student is assigned the Pathway to Algebra goal during an intervention period.

Outcome: By focusing only on their gaps, the student achieves the readiness score, enters Algebra I with confidence, and successfully passes the course.

Rural High School

Limited teaching staff and a wide range of math readiness in the Algebra I class.

Teacher uses EdReady for the first four weeks of class. Students below the target work on their personalized path; students who are ready begin algebra content.

The teacher uses the real-time data to group students for small-group instruction, effectively differentiating the classroom and saving teacher planning time.

Rural High School

Student Scenario: Limited teaching staff and a wide range of math readiness in the Algebra I class.

EdReady Implementation: Teacher uses EdReady for the first four weeks of class. Students below the target work on their personalized path; students who are ready begin algebra content.

Outcome: The teacher uses the real-time data to group students for small-group instruction, effectively differentiating the classroom and saving teacher planning time.

Adult Education

An adult learner needs to refresh math skills to pursue a technical college certificate.

Learner is assigned the Pathway to Algebra to build a foundation.

The program efficiently eliminates years of forgotten math, preparing the adult to move quickly into their career-focused college math requirements.

Adult Education

Student Scenario: An adult learner needs to refresh math skills to pursue a technical college certificate.

EdReady Implementation: Learner is assigned the Pathway to Algebra to build a foundation.

Outcome: The program efficiently eliminates years of forgotten math, preparing the adult to move quickly into their career-focused college math requirements.

Data and Impact

EdReady Montana’s success is rooted in its ability to generate actionable data and demonstrably improve outcomes:

  • Targeted Growth: In a case study, a high school used EdReady for pre-algebra students and found it highly effective in remediating skill gaps and ensuring readiness for subsequent math courses.
  • Efficiency: The diagnostic-driven approach means students spend zero time reviewing concepts they already know, maximizing the efficiency of their study time.
  • Class A High School: Successfully used the program to help more than 70 students move out of developmental math coursework.
  • Small Rural Middle School: Used supplemental assistance time to improve NWEA MAP scores by an average of 17.1 points in one year.
  • AA High School: Implemented the program as a yearlong progress check model to guide their ongoing Algebra support classes.
  • Middle School Teacher: Used program with standard 8th grade and Advanced 8th grade students to help students improve their skills more than one grade level in a year.
  • Another AA High School: Used the program to screen all incoming freshmen to assure proper placement and intervention options were in place for teachers/students 
  • Class A High School: Reported seeing across-the-board growth in its Math Foundations class after implementing the Pathway to Algebra curriculum.

Ready to Get Started?

The Pathway to Algebra is designed to be a lever for high school math progress, setting students up for success both in their current courses and in their future postsecondary endeavors.

For Schools and Educators:

Contact the EdReady Montana team today to implement your custom Pathway to Algebra goals and access free professional development.

Get Started Today
Teacher smiling at laptop as he types on it.