Mathnasium Seeks to Improve AIMS Test Results Through Early Intervention
Less that stellar results on the standardized AIMS tests in Arizona schools are creating a gap in education. The director of Mathnasium of Chandler, a math-only learning center, feels that early intervention and partnership with parents and educators can close that gap and give students mathematical skills that will not only improve test results but academic excellence overall.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 13, 2006
At this time of year, it becomes popular to make New Years resolutions. Most often they deal with physical health, fitness and lifestyle changes. One educator in Chandler, Arizona is pushing for a different kind of well-being – mathematic fitness for students in local schools. With a reported 18,000+ Arizona High School Seniors yet to pass the standardized AIMS test, the question of effective education measurement remains a hot topic. Unfortunately, adding to this dilemma is the regular practice of placing failing students in classes specifically designed to teach AIMS requirements. Snehal Patel, director of Mathnasium of Chandler, believes that by partnering with educators, parents and tutors can positively impact academic success through early identification of learning obstacles and improve mathematic performance.
“By placing failing students in a class that teaches them the curriculum of the standardized test, educators are merely applying a quick fix. This negates any benefit the AIMS test offers by way of measuring scholastic achievement.” states Mr. Patel. He adds, “It is the student that suffers since they have never really learned the mathematic skills they need to function.” There is no “quick-fix” for the current issues Arizona schools are experiencing with the level of AIMS success, or lack thereof. However, as Arizona schools continue to struggle with balanced education versus state-mandated testing, it seems that supplemental education programs can offer students and parents a long-term solution. Mathnasium of Chandler intends to help facilitate that solution -- one student at a time.
According to Mr. Patel most school systems struggle with a fundamental tenet of education, which is to address the root of the problem at the first sign and establish healthy education habits from the start. As he believes, “ A much more effective and realistic approach to solving this problem requires parents and educators to determine the reasons why our kids are doing poorly in math and address those frustrations and deficiencies as early as possible.” By getting help earlier, which could be as early as 1st or 2nd grade depending on when a child displays frustration and misunderstanding, students will be able to identify and overcome math and reasoning challenges as they occur rather than trying to conquer up to 10+ years of misunderstanding and inability during high school with a 3 month class focused solely on passing a test.
Mathnasium outlines its mission as ‘a way to instruct children in mathematics that makes sense to them and in a way that is fun’. Students who attend sessions at the learning center are known as “Mathletes” and through individual and group instruction they develop number sense and the ability to think mathematically which becomes useful throughout life in problem solving and critical thinking.”
Mathnasium offers student members a foundation of mathematic education that inspires self-confidence which spills over into other subjects as well helping to create a well-rounded student and that is a resolution Arizona students can live with!
For more information on Mathnasium of Chandler contact Mr. Snehal Patel at (480) 782-1924
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