by Lynn Moore | Chronicle staff writer
Tuesday February 03, 2009, 10:11 AM
WEST MICHIGAN — Making algebra “fun” and not so daunting is the goal of a special after-school and summer program for 300 area middle school students.
Facing the prospect of having to pass algebra I and II to graduate from high school, eighth-graders needing extra help in math will get to participate in the new online program that a local educator had a hand in designing.
Back on Track: Ready for Algebra! is being used statewide to help prepare students struggling with math. Beginning later this month, students in Muskegon and Newaygo counties will attend four months of specialized after-school learning, said David Krebs, program director for the Regional Mathematics and Science Center operated by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.
“The project is focused squarely on helping students learn the critical algebra skills they need help with to ensure they have success earning their algebra credit and therefore graduating,” Krebs said.
Krebs was on a team of educators from math and science centers across the state and the Michigan Virtual University that designed the program that was called for in this year’s state school aid act.
Twelve math and science centers — including the MAISD’s, which serves Muskegon and Newaygo counties — were granted funds to pilot the program and accepted applications from schools to participate. All schools with eighth-graders in Newaygo County are participating as are most in Muskegon County, Krebs said. He praised area principals for acting quickly to get the programs going in their schools.
Students who would benefit from the program have been identified and invited to participate. Krebs said he expects 200 students will participate in a two-week day camp this summer.
Students will complete online assessments of their math knowledge that will help determine where they need help. Those participating in the after-school online program, which will be supervised by teachers, will be able to access the same software at home or wherever they can hook up to the Internet.
“The presentations of the lessons are fun and interesting,” Krebs said, adding that the online learning that is “very individualized” should appeal to students.
This year’s high school sophomores are the first to be subject to the state’s new graduation requirements. Educators have expressed concern about students getting tripped up by algebra.
Krebs said algebra can prove difficult for some students because “it’s where math begins to become a little abstract.”
“Arithmetic is concrete,” Krebs said. “Algebra opens the doors to abstractions like variables, and variables can represent anything. … You have to use higher-order thinking.”
