Proposing and testing a model to explain traits of algebra preparedness

Early experiences with theoretical thinking and generalization in measurement are hypothesized to develop constructs we name here as logical reasoning and preparedness for algebra. Based on work of V. V. Davydov (1975), the Measure Up (MU) elementary grades experimental mathematics curriculum uses quantities of area, length, volume, and mass to contextualize the relationships among the quantities in, for example, R + C = T. This quasi-experimental study, conducted with 129 fifth- and sixth-grade students, examines MU effects on students' preparedness for algebra. Structural equation modeling is used to identify a system of relationships among the variables in our proposed model. Findings show significant direct standardized effects from MU to preparedness (0.28, p