Getting Started at Your School with Math Smart!

How do schools move from not meeting AYP in math to having a successful mathematics program that prepares students for their future? IDRA’s Math Smart! offers one possibility. The program can be readily adapted to each school, it has been tested, and IDRA offers training and technical assistance to support its accomplishment. The role of the schools, however, is irreplaceable. For the model to succeed, the school must make it part of the system, giving it the weight of their approval and support, and stamping it with their own unique identity.

In broadest terms, the role of the school in Math Smart! includes:

Accept the program’s philosophy as consistent with the school’s mission.
Align all campus or district initiatives.
Ensure strong administrator support.
Avoid scheduling conflicts during implementation.
Provide the space and time for teachers to engage in meaningful interaction, planning and reflection on practice.
Support and participate in the online learning community.
Make sure materials and technologies are available that are essential to the implementation.
Collect evaluation information to assess implementation and success.

Supporting the program also involves setting a particular culture

Value all youth
Set goals for the school in terms of helping all students succeed
Build a culture of success that values teachers and their expertise as practitioners
Resolve to meet these goals through planning and action
Commit time, effort and other resources to implementing the model
Create an environment for risk-taking so that teachers feel supported in implementing new strategies

To get started on your Math Smart! implementation today, contact IDRA at 210-444-1710 or contact@idra.org.

Getting Started at Your School with Math Smart!

Getting Started at Your School with Math Smart!

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