Project Grant 2555665

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded $1,105,788 to the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (doing business as Rfcuny - Borough Manhattan Community College) on October 15, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076).

The project will develop assessment tools to measure student understanding of equivalent equations using cognitive diagnostic models and clinical interview methods. Researchers and instructors will use these assessments to evaluate what students understand about core concepts needed to work with equations. The project employs nominal response cognitive diagnostic models combined with in-depth cognitive interviews to describe new conceptions of equivalent equations not documented in existing literature, define boundaries of existing conceptions, and explore relationships between conceptions, including which commonly co-occur and whether hierarchical relationships exist among them. The mixed-methods approach aims to produce assessments that capture a wider range of student thinking than existing tests and can be validated or adapted to other educational contexts such as high school. The methodology developed for equations assessment has potential application as a model for developing assessments on other topics.

The project responds to the shortage of STEM graduates by addressing algebra as a barrier to STEM degree attainment. Instructors could use the resulting assessments to improve instruction, and researchers could assess the effectiveness of different courses and teaching approaches.

Performance is based in New York, New York, with period of performance from October 15, 2026, through September 30, 2029.