Multicultural Student Achievement Network

Research Projects

The MSAN Network conducts collaborative research that informs school practices, engages in and evaluates evidence-based instructional interventions, and provides learning opportunities for teachers.

Four focus areas comprise MSAN's research and development agenda:

  • Mathematics
  • Literacy, with an emphasis on adolescent literacy
  • Student-teacher relationships
  • Conversations about race and achievement
Mathematics

MSAN has been working with the Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) Institute since 2007 on a mathematics intervention targeting students' conceptions of core Algebra concepts. MSAN districts identified the achievement gap in Algebra I as one of their most critical challenges. The reason for the focus is clear — performance in Algebra I determines for many students whether they will be able to access higher levels of mathematics, attend college, and compete for the numerous career opportunities that require mathematics skills.

Working in collaboration with SERP-affiliated mathematics researchers, MSAN district Algebra teachers and mathematics coordinators created a bank of strategically designed and robustly evaluated algebra assignments targeting critical algebraic misconceptions and utilizing interleaved worked examples.  The team agreed that well-designed assignments can become a tool for shaping and transforming students’ mathematical thinking without requiring disruptive changes to classroom activities.  The assignments and companion PD approach - known as AlgebraByExample - are thus sensitive to both what is practical in school environments and to research on optimal supports for learning. The result? Struggling students who participated in the AlgebraByExample assignments showed a 10% boost in conceptual understanding.

For more information about the AlgebraByExample materials visit the SERP website. Download materials for FREE!

Literacy

MSAN Report on Research: Read180 (PDF)
TOWN: Building a Teen On-Line Writing Network (TOWN) to support high school students: A writing intervention aimed at motivating reluctant writers.

Funding Agencies

SERP

 

IES

Gates Foundation

Contact us

Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN)
Wisconsin Center for Education Research
1025 W. Johnson St., Suite 697
Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608.263.1565
Email: msan@wcer.wisc.edu

Accessibility issues? Contact the WCER Webmaster.

MSAN's Impact

  • "[MSAN is] transforming our thinking one student at a time."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "This is the best conference I've ever attended of any kind. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "This was a fabulous mini-conference! Every minute taught me something and made me think more deeply about work at my school and in my district."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "The experience that the Minority Student Achievement Network has given me is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
    ~ MSAN Scholar Jazin Rocha, HBW 10th grader, Arlington Public Schools

  • "I wish more teachers had the opportunity to hear and have this experience."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "This meeting is a place to get ideas and courage."
    ~ MSAN RPC Member

  • "Meeting with this select group of superintendents reinforces and builds commitment/capacity to address diversity as a strength, not a challenge."
    ~ MSAN Superintendent

  • "This was very informative and very rich in network and strategies from the districts."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "I liked how different people from different states came to contribute their ideas and find a way to close the achievement gap."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "I see myself as a representative of my school and a person who can provide different perspectives to others in regards to the achievement gap."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "Just being here [helps me know] that I'm working to better my district and strengthen my leadership skills."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "Thank you much! … I attend quite a bit of professional development and many conferences. This conference has by far changed my mindset and how I address my daily work. I am so grateful for the opportunity!"
    ~ Andrea Dinan, Ed.D. - Director of Service-Learning & Experiential Programs, Princeton Public Schools

  • "MSAN is AMAZING and more students should join-real life learning experience."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "...when we came together with our own district to put together our action plan, that made me feel like I can make a huge change in the world."
    ~ Student conference attendee

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