This Week
Sep 4, 2024
I spent many years working as an electrical engineer, where solving problems was a daily routine. I've also spent more than 30 years helping millions of students discover mathematics.Here is what I've learned: When a mind is anxious or fearful, it cannot solve even the simplest of problems.Why are so many children anxious about math? Many are unprepared because they do not practice.
Even before the New York State Education Department [NYSED] chose First In Math Online as a resource to support STEM readiness for K-5 students throughout the state, Colonel Jeromus Remsen School (PS144Q in Forest Hills; CSD 28) had already signed on to strengthen two areas of focus: Math and helping students of all skill levels succeed. "In 2020, the arrival of the Pandemic highlighted the importance of supporting students," explains Nan Ronis of First In Math. Mathematics Enrichment Teacher Debra Kessler and Principal Jennifer Lucadamo created a plan that would support both Math Achievement and the school’s focus on students. Kessler initiated the implementation, energizing each class, starting with her own fourth-grade remote students. As part of a fourth-grade remote team, Ethan Chan and his peers soon became First In Math champions simply by explaining and playing First In Math while visiting other classes. "That leadership role was very important for Ethan," says Kessler. Now a fifth grader, he shares his experience with the program and how it speaks to student needs, as well as Math Achievement.
First In Math partners with New York State Education Department to sponsor statewide elementary math competition.
Students reach the incredible milestone of one billion math problems solved on the First In Math platform.
A new Lehigh University research study on the successful use of First In Math at Marvine Elementary has been peer reviewed and published in the Mathematics Teaching Research Journal, Spring 2020 Vol 12, no 1.
First America Homes, the homebuilding division of the Signorelli company, has teamed up with Cleveland ISD teacher, Tracy Spears, to reward her 2nd and 3rd grade students with new bicycles, just in time for summer.
Harleigh is a winner in many ways, but school has sometimes been difficult. She reads a whole grade behind and has mild hearing loss. First In Math has done wonderful things for Harleigh. It helped motivate her. She learned all her math facts, taught herself division, negative and positive numbers, and weight.
