Principal Investigator
Samantha Holquist – formerly Child Trends
Project Description
This study develops and validates the Adapted Measure of Math Engagement (AM-ME), a student-centered tool designed to capture how middle and high school students experience engagement in math classrooms. Using a mixed-methods, participatory research approach, the study engaged students, teachers, and researchers to refine existing engagement measures and develop a more comprehensive framework reflecting diverse student perspectives. The resulting measure includes multiple dimensions of engagement, such as math identity, belonging, usefulness, and instructional supports, and was statistically validated across student groups. The current phase of the project focuses on completing analysis and dissemination of findings and providing guidance to educators and policymakers on how to use the tool to improve instruction and student outcomes.
Research Questions
- What does it mean for middle and high school students to be engaged in math classrooms?
- What are the key dimensions that define student engagement in math?
- To what extent does the measure of math engagement predict student achievement outcomes?
