Helping Teachers Promote Success in Honors Math

Changes are afoot in the Brookline High School Mathematics Department. Last year, eight BHS math teachers received a grant from the Brookline Education Foundation to develop a support system for students in Honors Math. Concerned about the number of students who switch out of the honors math sequence each year, these educators sought to identify why students struggle and how they can be helped to succeed.

The BHS team, which included Danielle Rabina, Craig Friedland, Lisa Redding, Meghan Kennedy-Justice, Shoshanna Kostant, Josh Paris, and Mark Veader, noticed that, while students studied algebra in 8th grade, after a year’s hiatus from algebraic concepts, they struggled with it in 10th grade. To provide better continuity, algebra is now integrated into the 9th grade curriculum and is thoroughly reviewed at the beginning of 10th grade.

In addition, short, frequent assessments (mini-quizzes) now are used to identify students who may need extra help. And, to aid in the transition to progressively more difficult work, math problems that require more sophisticated mathematical thinking are introduced toward the end of each school year.

“Due to the mini-quizzes and separation of the basic skills from the applied challenge questions on tests, I am more accurately able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each student earlier in the year. I am hoping that as a result I will more quickly be able to help those students who need extra support and continue to see a greater number of students able to remain in this honors level course,” explains grant participant Danielle Rabina.

Students also are encouraged to access extra help in the Math Center, which is staffed by BHS math teachers and available to all students before school. Rabina says, “In my personal experience with my sophomore honors class this year, I have noticed that the students are comfortable getting help from the Math Center in addition to seeing me for help, which is a great support when confusion sets in.”

Noting that some students can handle the math content but need support in study skills such as note-taking, test preparation, and homework correction, additional time has been devoted to teaching these essential skills.

The participants in this grant already are seeing positive results from the changes they have introduced. Further modifications will be initiated throughout the school year to insure greater success in the honors math program for BHS students.