Online math help awaits Idaho students
It looks more like a video game than a math assignment.
Students who log on to Apangea Learning’s SmartHelp online math program can win points by answering questions correctly and trade the points for gift cards and music downloads.
Hip-looking virtual tutors – there’s a choice among several – walk students through math problems. When the virtual tutor can’t help, students can communicate online with a certified teacher through instant messaging.
The math program, funded as part of the Idaho Math Initiative, is being adopted in the fall by Idaho’s Department of Education as a way to help students in grades 5 through 8 improve their math.
About half of Idaho students in grades 6 and 8 failed the state’s Direct Math Assessment, according to scores released this spring.
Idaho’s Legislature budgeted $3.9 million for the first phase of the statewide effort to help middle-grade students who struggle in math.
Idaho Department of Education spokeswoman Melissa McGrath said the program – which has never been used in Idaho schools – has had positive results in other states. When committee members for the Idaho Math Initiative and department officials visited schools in other states, McGrath said students were excited about the program.
Many said they didn’t just use the program at school, they logged on at night, too, to do more math problems and earn points for prizes.
“There is that motivational piece involved in it, which is neat for students,” McGrath said.
Lakeland School District Superintendent Chuck Kinsey said he doesn’t know much about the SmartHelp math program, but any help for students struggling in math is welcome.
The district has used similar online programs, he said, and found those programs effective.
McGrath said the program isn’t just for students who are struggling – it’s also a way to engage students who excel in math.
The Idaho Math Initiative also seeks to provide additional math training for teachers and school administrators, re-evaluate existing math tests and develop new ones.