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Math clubs help kids improve skills
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By Kelly Carr
At Alhambra Elementary School District, students' math skills are
kept sharp by raising the bar outside of school hours.
The district's Superintendent Math Achievement Club has students
solving math problems at home.
The result, Superintendent Jim Rice says, is an increase in test
scores and better mathematics students.
The key is stepping outside the box and making a commitment to
fit an academic activity in children's schedules.
And parents in the district who spend nights working on math, like
Margaret Voss, say they've seen changes in their students. Her son
is a second-grader at Westwood Primary.
"It's turned math into fun and an interactive family project,"
Voss said. "There are times we use pennies or noodles for counting.
It makes them think of math outside of just equations. It has offered
them a way to incorporate math into everyday life."
Rice shares what parents can do at home to make math a part of
their children's lives.
Question: How and why was the club created?
Answer: It was developed a number of years ago when we were using
norm-referenced tests in Arizona. It was noted the test scores for
third-graders in math were below the state average. To give teachers
another resources to assist their students with math, the club was
started in third grade. When teachers began using it with their
students, we noticed the math scores began to improve. Since that
time, it was implemented in second and fourth grade as well.
Q.: How does the club work?
A.: Currently, we have booklets that go home with the students.
The work is done at home. Students and parents work on the booklet
and then it is returned to school. Teachers review the book with
the students in class. The program begins in October and concludes
in April. When students complete the book, there are prizes given
to the students. The main purpose is to support the teachers with
math problems they are currently teaching in their classroom. The
booklet is correlated with district and state standards. It's a
good prep tool to help student prepare for the high-stakes assessment.
Q: Since the club is focused on practicing math outside of school
hours, how can parents use this model to help their kids over the
summer?
A: Whether they are doing reading, writing or math, parents need
to set time aside where their children know they will be involved
in some type of academic activity. It's about a routine, and the
activities can be fun. When I was a teacher and principal, I would
say to make sure not to let your children get out of the routine
to the point that they will have trouble coming back in the fall.
Q: Why is it important to practice math over the summer?
A: It requires less review for the teachers to give to the child
when they come back. It's good reinforcement for the student to
practice the concepts they learned.
Q: Where can parents find materials or programs to help their children?
A: There are stores throughout the Valley that sell materials.
One of our business partners is School Stuff. They sell workbooks
with math and story problems that parents can purchase for their
children to use at home. One of the things that parents might want
to do is check out some of the junior colleges. Many provide math
camps. Parents should check with their local school, many provide
enrichments in the areas of mathematics.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0508edmath0508.html
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