370 likes | 794 Views
Math Buddies. A Model Program for Mathematics Achievement Developed By: Dr. Carol Rezba Mathematics Educator. Can You Create A Balanced Equation Using Number Tiles?. Can You Create A Pattern? . What is Math Buddies?. Math Buddies is a program designed to provide high-quality
E N D
Math Buddies A Model Program for Mathematics Achievement Developed By: Dr. Carol Rezba Mathematics Educator
What is Math Buddies? • Math Buddies is a program designed to provide high-quality extended academic support in mathematics to struggling learners.
What is Math Buddies? • Math Buddies was developed as a tutoring program. • It was also developed so that volunteers from strong business and community partnerships could easily tutor students. • These volunteers help at-risk third- and fifth-grade students achieve the Mathematics Standards of Learning.
What Does Research Say? • Research shows that tutoring programs that utilize volunteers, who use lessons prepared by certified teachers, have had significant success in improving the basic skills of at-risk children. • National Research Council. (2001) Adding it up: Helping children learn mathematics. Kilpatrick, et. al.
Initial Phase of Math Buddies • November, 2002 - August, 2003 Math Buddies Funded by the Virginia Business-Education Partnership • Involved schools in three communities - Richmond, Portsmouth, and Amherst
Exemplary Partnership • Universal Corporation and Maymont Elementary School • Universal Corporation made it possible for employees to leave work to tutor students during the extended day program at Maymont • Maymont’s extended day program was supported by PASS Initiative funds
Typical Volunteer Experience • Check-In at Main Office • Pick Up the Materials from On-Site Coordinator • Gather Their Two Math Buddies • Go to an Assigned Location
What Do Volunteers Do? • Volunteers instruct two third or fifth grade students in mathematics skills and concepts related to the Virginia Standards of Learning
What Do the Volunteers Do? • Volunteers provide instruction through “hands-on” / “minds-on” activities involving problem solving, math manipulatives, and games.
Materials for Volunteers • Scripted lessons are provided for the volunteers who normally work with the same two students during each lesson throughout the year. • The script includes the dialogue, questions and answers, and background information so that a few minutes to review the lesson is all that is necessary for preparation to tutor.
Materials for Volunteers • Student each have an activity book containing all the printed student lesson materials • Related math materials are organized for each lesson in expandable file folders usually stored in accessible file cabinets • Volunteers pick up their student’s books and the appropriate expandable file folder for their lesson
Lesson #7: Student Activity #1 Area on the Geoboard
What Do the Volunteers Do? • Check their Math Buddies’ understanding of the concepts presented in the lesson using a variety of SOL Assessments. • Provide feedback on the Student’s Record Card regarding their perception of the student’s understanding of the concepts and skills. This evaluation is done by using a rating scale of 1 to 4.
Support for Volunteers • An on-site Math Buddies Coordinator supports the volunteers’ efforts by: • Pairing volunteers with students • Arranging a weekly time and an in-school location for tutoring • Distributing the materials • Identifying a sequences of study • Answering math questions if they arise
How Does a Math Buddy Help? • By tutoring two students in mathematics for forty-five minutes to one-and-one-half hours per week for 20-30 weeks based upon the time allotment for the program • (Note: In some situations, a volunteer may choose to pair with another volunteer to share these responsibilities.)
Volunteer’s Contributions • Assisting students in mastering the mathematics concepts and skills related to the Virginia Standards of Learning • Supporting teachers and the school by increasing students’ performance on the Virginia SOL tests • Increasing the student’s enjoyment of mathematics
Volunteer’s Contributions • Providing valuable information about the relevance of mathematics to their life and career • Serving as a positive adult role model and mentor to youth
Volunteer’s Contributions • Strengthening community involvement in public education • Strengthening school/community relationships and communication
Math Buddy Partnerships • Businesses and Corporations • State Agencies • Local Sororities • Local Church Groups • Retired Teachers • High School Honor Society Students • College Student Volunteers
Pilot Results: Jan.– June 2003 • Results of Pilot Study Revealed Significant Gains in Mathematics for Participating Students (Borderline Students: 2nd – 4th quartile) • Data: Over 70% of the Math Buddies students passed their SOL math tests during ½ year pilot study
Sample of School Data ChangesSignificant Increase w/ Math Buddies • Chimborazo (Ch)– Richmond City • Maymont (Mm)- Richmond City • Machen (Mc)- Hampton City
Math Buddies Pass SOL! • Significant numbers of borderline students pass their SOL math tests • Data: Chimborazo-Over 85% in 2003, 86% in 2004, and 87% in 2005 -Math Buddies who passed their Math SOL Test!
Current Data • Data: Now averaging over 85% of Math Buddies passing their SOL math tests –these are students that were not expected to pass!! • Partnerships with Consistent Volunteer Support Produce the Strongest Results • Weekly Math Buddies tutoring is having significant positive impact on student achievement
What Tutors Say!!! • “We just can’t wait to open up the expandable folder to see what manipulatives we will work with today!” • “I just love tutoring in this program – I think I am making a difference for my math buddies -and the personal rewards are tremendous!”
Volunteer Today!!! • Develop a Math Buddies Partnership with your local elementary school! • Become a Volunteer and make a difference for a child struggling to achieve in mathematics. • The rewards are tremendous!!
DOE Approval of Math Buddies Math Buddies has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education for Models/Programs That Have Proven To Be Successful With Low Achieving Students
Purchasing Materials • Materials can be purchased from: Math Buddies 2301 Stemwell Blvd. Richmond, VA 23236 • Obtain further information: • Web: http://www.MathBuddies.net • Phone: 804-745-4144 • E-mail: Math_Buddies@comcast.net