Prerequisite Knowledge for the Learning of Algebra

Researchers, teachers, and curriculum experts have noted content areas believed to contribute to students’ abilities to succeed in algebra. Specifically, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) produced a list of 12 algebra-specific skills, Readiness Indicators, which classify the prior knowledge necessary for success in Algebra I (Bottoms, 2003). The list was developed by mathematics education experts, but not based upon research. Therefore, the current investigation explores similarities and differences between the relevant research and the Readiness Indicators. Research indicates that prior to learning algebra, students must have an understanding of numbers, ratios, proportions, the order of operations, equality, algebraic symbolism (including letter usage), algebraic equations and functions. These results partially, if not fully, support 8 of the 12 Readiness Indicators.

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