STEM students are always up for the challenge
Ms. Jackson’s second period Algebra class at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy at Nimitz Middle School won the Think Through Math (TTM) Texas Fall Classroom Challenge. On Tuesday, November 6, the class was visited by four members of the TTM team, including Kevin McAliley (CEO of TTM), Jeffrey McCormick (Founder), Michelle Samford (Austin regional director), and Jayne Shanklin (San Antonio instructional coach). They congratulated the class, and shared many of the insights into the importance of math education for STEM careers. The students had many questions about the program, as well as the business. The following week, TTM threw a pizza party for the class, complete with bright orange ‘Success’ t-shirts.
Think Through Math is a research based intervention computer application provided by the Texas Education Agency to all Texas public school students through the Texas Success program. The application is used nationally to differentiate and support math students in grades 3-8.
To win the TTM Texas Fall Classroom Challenge, Ms. Jackson’s 12 students accumulated more points in October than 1300 other teams in the nation. Points were earned during school and at home by working through lessons in the Algebra pathway, which is aligned with the TEKS. Interestingly, neither the students nor the teacher knew that there was an ongoing contest.
They were using the program because it provides excellent differentiation for all students, and extra support for struggling students. A student at home that needs extra help is connected with a live tutor (English or Spanish), because the program recognizes the value of a teacher and individualized attention.
Posted on December 7, 2012