Mount Madonna School
Advances a Middle School “Math Path”
By Katrina Leni-Konig
AT MOUNT MADONNA SCHOOL (MMS), students experience a
transformative approach to learning mathematics that goes beyond the
curriculum to enhance each student’s lifelong relationship with the
subject. The goal is to create an environment where every individual
can thrive as a math student, fueled by curiosity, confi dence, and
determination. Mathematics is then a tool that supports the continual
development of the students’ emotional intelligence.
Teachers nurture a classroom culture that encourages self-
awareness, resilience, and humility. By middle school, students
are asked to take the lead in determining their own “math path,”
considering which classes they will want to take in high school.
Too often, students are sorted into math classes by a test, grades or
other forms of top-down selection. At MMS, we wanted to develop a
process that allows each student to discover what feels right for them.
We give them time and opportunities to explore math in different ways.
The math path selection process begins in sixth grade, when
students select a math elective, either the Math Lab Intensive or
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), for
one period a week. Through STEAM, students link logical thinking
with creativity through music, engineering, and art. By seventh grade,
Math Lab Intensive becomes required Algebra skills practice in order
to advance into an accelerated Algebra I/II course in eighth grade.
Students can move into an accelerated math path as late as tenth
grade, by taking a geometry course over the summer.
Mount
Madonna
School
“Research shows that math achievement correlates with hard work
and motivation more than any other factors,” said Lisa Catterall, MMS
director of middle school. “The opportunity to accelerate at any time
through tenth grade means that students can jump ahead when they
are truly excited about math and want the chance to do more.”
Many students in traditional programs are left with feelings of ‘not
being good at math’ well into adulthood. By providing students with
a choice and opportunity of exploring mathematics in different ways,
we are opening the possibility for all students to feel confident and
successful in math.
Katrina Leni-Konig teaches sixth and seventh grade math and
science at Mount Madonna, and lives in Gilroy with her family.
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