Math engagement is a crucial building block for middle school learners to understand key concepts, which can help to prepare students for success in advanced math. Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest created this 30minute documentary in collaboration with WTTW – Chicago Public Broadcasting Station to highlight the importance and impact of engaging middle school students in math learning to rebuild fundamental mathematics skills. The program features educators and students from Jonathan Burr Elementary Schools in Chicago, IL. In addition, REL Midwest experts, Dr. Yinmei Wan, Dr. Melinda Griffin, Dr. Katie Rich, and Dr. Pam Buffington discuss research on effective and evidencebased strategies for math instruction and student engagement.

You can access a companion viewing guide and learn more about the work of the REL Midwest Teaching Fractions Toolkit here: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/region/mi...

Visit the REL Midwest website (https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/region/mi...) to learn how we are partnering with stakeholders to equip state and local education agency staff to access, use, and disseminate research results.

The content of this video does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Institute of Education Sciences or the U.S. Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Keywords: Math engagement, middle school education, evidencebased teaching strategies, Illinois