Comparison of UICSM vs. 'Traditional' Algebra Classes on Coop Algebra Test Scores. University of Illinois Committee on School Mathematics (UICSM) Research Report No. 1.

Approximately 1,700 University of Illinois Committee on School Mathematics (UICSM) algebra students were divided into 6 groups depending on grade (8th or 9th), version of UICSM first course text used (1958 or 1959), and duration of study. These students and nearly 700 non-UICSM algebra students were given Cooperative Algebra Test (Coop Algebra) Forms T, X, and Y. Analysis of covariance was used to compare group means on this test, with adjustments for inequalities between groups on the Differential Aptitude Tests of Numerical Reasoning and of Verbal Ability. The UICSM students showed greater achievement than did the non-UICSM students. This was also true of four of the six UICSM groups taken separately. The adjusted Coop Algebra means of the other two UICSM groups were not significantly different from that of the control sample. Possible reasons for these results are discussed. (Author/BB)