MathPals:
The transition from middle school to high school is a critical time in a student’s life. Mentoring in middle school in the form of intervention can often decrease the number of students who drop out during that tough transition. For those students who dropped out, passing the End-of-Course exams was often the largest hurdle, in particular the Algebra 1 End-of-Course exam.
Only 27% of Leon County Schools’ 2013-2014 level one students passed the Algebra 1 End of Course Exam.
This year, to work to increase the Algebra I passing rate in Leon County, United Way of the Big Bend is implementing the MathPals program at two local middle schools. MathPals will match caring volunteers one-to-one with middle school students who are struggling with the Algebra 1 skills needed to pass the End-of-Course exams. The MathPals curriculum will encourage students to master the Algebra 1 skills through exploration of math in the real world, collaborative learning, and independent practice.
Become a MathPal and make a difference in our community:
- Volunteers are matched one-to-one with a middle school student
- Volunteers choose the school or the day that best fits their schedule (Tuesday or Wednesday, 4:00-5:00pm)
- Volunteers report during the after school setting for one hour a week during the school year
- Volunteers utilize a mathematics curriculum created by LCS District that is tailored to students’ needs
- Volunteers receive training from UWBB,LCS District, and Big Brothers Big Sisters (includes Level II background and fingerprint screening)
