Modeling Math Achievement: Using Supercomputing to Identify and Test Strategies for Improving Math Performance at Santo Domingo Middle School

Definition of the Problem: New Mexico schools want to help students improve their performance on state assessments, but teachers have limited time and resources to test different learning strategies. This project will investigate how supercomputing and data analysis can be used to compare different strategies, such as targeted practice, review activities, and small-group support, to determine which approaches show potential for improving student performance. 

Purpose of the Project: The purpose of this project is to show how supercomputers can help students and educators analyze large amounts of data and test possible solutions to an educational problem. Students will use computer simulations to compare strategies and identify patterns that could help schools make better-informed decisions about instructional support. 

Plan of Actions / Methods: Students will use safe, simulated, or de-identified data to create a computer model of student assessment performance. They will test several strategies, run repeated simulations using a computer or available supercomputing resource, and compare the results using tables and graphs. Students will analyze the findings, discuss the limitations of the model, and present their results. The project will focus on using data responsibly and understanding that computer simulations can suggest possible strategies but cannot guarantee actual score improvements.