Algebra I is considered a gatekeeper course for highereducation, high-paying jobs, and access to STEM careers, yetmany students find themselves struggling to learn algebra.Prior research links intrinsic motivation for learning mathwith mathematics achievement, particularly duringadolescence. The current study measured middle schoolstudents’ interest in algebra and their procedural skills acrossthe span of an algebra unit to determine whether students whoshow declines in algebraic problem-solving also show adecline in a particular type of intrinsic motivation – interest inalgebra. Pre-test and post-test scores were used to categorizeparticipants into those who showed declines in problem-solving skills and those who did not. Of the overall sample (N= 367), a group of 25 students showed declining skills overthe course of the unit. These students also showed significantdeclines in interest in mathematics from pre- to post-test incomparison to students who did not show procedural declines.Our findings support the relationship between performanceand motivation in the classroom, particularly in algebra class.Educational implications are discussed.

Having better knowledge of fractions is causally related to the ability to learn algebra, so what happens when teaching and learning about fractions is disrupted, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this study, we examine how educational disruption caused by a pandemic differentially impacted students' fraction learning relative to students who were learning other mathematics content during that time. This study provides results from a cross-sequential project examining various facets of mathematics knowledge for students in 4th-10th grades over three years (2021, 2022, 2023; N=903 students). We investigate differences in fractions and algebra knowledge based on students' grade levels across cohorts to determine if there are particular periods at which students' learning was differentially affected by the disruption. Individual differences in students' self-regulation, self-efficacy, and personality will also be explored as potential buffers.

Recent studies have established that students knowledge about fractions is predictive of their readiness, performance, andlearning in Algebra (Booth & Newton, 2012; Booth, Newton, & Twiss-Garrity, 2013). However, it is yet unknown whetherthe relationship between fractions and algebra is causal; that is, would improving students’ knowledge of fractions causeimprovements in their ability to perform in and learn Algebra? The present study examines the impact of improvingfraction computation and fraction magnitude knowledge in real world classrooms on middle school students’ learningof key concepts and problem-solving techniques in Algebra. Individual differences in the impact of improved fractionknowledge will also be investigated and discussed.