Math is a much maligned subject by students, and a fair number consider it the bane of their time in school. This is not universal; some students quite enjoy math; but for many it is an ever present foe, weighing heavy on their minds and GPAs. This, of course, leads parents to look for resources to help their students approach and master math, so that they need not struggle alone.
In this article we’re going to explore one such opportunity: Math Academy. We’ll cover what it is, how it works, and how you can take advantage of what they offer. As with all resources, it may not be the right fit for every student, but the more arrows you have in your quiver, the more likely you are to find one that works for the situation at hand. Let’s get started!
What Math Academy Is
Founded in 2013 informally, Math Academy had humble beginnings. It started as a passion project by parents trying to help their son and his classmates with math, and grew naturally from there. As they saw how students could advance in math when given the proper support, the program gained increasing official approval, and was integrated into the curriculum of the Pasadena Unified School District.
Currently, Math Academy exists in two forms. The first is fully integrated into Pasadena’s public schools, where students in middle and high school can choose to participate in the program, and in so doing explore more advanced math subjects. The program is fully accredited, and the classes count towards California’s A-G requirements needed for admission to the state university systems.
More accessible to most students is their online program. This seeks to take everything they have learned from in-person instruction and their long experience working with students with math and make it more broadly accessible. This works by assessing where a student is, where they want to be, and using a smart app to help guide them through math tutoring.
Using gamified learning in online platforms is nothing new, and just as Duolingo seeks to make learning a language a game in itself, so Math Academy approaches math. Students proceed at a pace they choose, and are rewarded for consistent effort. This can be adjusted to fit their goals and availability, and is designed to make sure students are challenged without becoming overwhelmed.
How Math Academy Works
Math Academy offers a significant number of courses, along with sequences in which you can complete the work. These can take the place of a standard math class for homeschooled students, or act as a supplement for students who want to pursue math on their own, or at a more advanced level than what they are currently being offered in school. All of the courses are accredited, and they offer AP Calculus AB and BC.
The program begins with a comprehensive assessment. This measures the total math skills of the student, both in terms of the highest levels they have achieved, and their full background knowledge. Many students have gaps in their math foundation; these are filled in first before advancing to more advanced subjects. Indeed, the more advanced a student is in their math career, the more likely they are to have gaps; subjects that their classes didn’t cover or which were forgotten over the intervening years.
Their pedagogical system focuses on tried and true techniques for helping students master complex subjects:
- Developing automaticity. This is where you train yourself to be able to automatically handle simple parts of a problem to free up mental space to tackle more complex parts. Just knowing what formula to use automatically makes implementation much easier.
- Deliberate practice. Lessons are designed to specifically focus on individual skills and concepts, so that students master areas one at a time. Repetition and immediate feedback allow students to improve in real time.
- Spaced repetition. Within a lesson, students will have multiple short segments of deliberate practice. These are then spaced out over a course, so that students move the concepts into long term memory, and have time to digest what they’ve learned.
- Layering. Much of math builds upon itself, and the more advanced concepts help reinforce what students learned of the foundations. By moving directly from foundational to more advanced concepts, students continue to improve the same skills, and advance more rapidly.
The entire process is governed by an algorithm which keeps track of a student’s progress; what they’re learning, when, and how quickly, and which modifies their curriculum and exercises to compensate. Not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace, and this flexibility in the curriculum allows Math Academy to meet each student where they are.
There are no live instructors for the online course; the course itself counts as the instructor for the UC system and credits. Parents or tutors are able to monitor a student’s progress through an oversight account. This lets you follow along with what a student is accomplishing, and adjust their goals. You can adjust this in real time, pausing the program to adjust for vacations or changes in availability.
The algorithm which governs the course automatically adjusts the pace and difficulty of the material to meet the needs of the student. Thus students who get a concept quickly will advance more quickly to a new one, while struggling students will receive additional exercises and review. The algorithm also tracks interest or lack thereof; if a student is clearly guessing randomly on questions, it will let the parents or other mentors know through the oversight app.
Successes
No program is entirely successful, but Math Academy is able to boast an impressive success rate. This is best viewed through the success of their students on the AP exam. 75% of students in their classes pass the AP exam, with a full 50% achieving a 5 on the BC calculus exam. This is significantly above average. Even more impressive is that their students often take the test early; their in person program regularly has 8th graders taking (and passing) the BC Calculus exam, and their online program sees the same success.
These successes are dependent on the work of the students in the program. Like any other academic subject, math requires consistent effort from the student. That said, the way the program works significantly advantages students in the program, and gives them a more thorough grounding in math than they are otherwise able to achieve.
Is Math Academy Right for You?
That depends on your needs, but in some cases, most definitely. This software and program is the most helpful in the following cases:
- Homeschooled students. It can be difficult to find accredited and trustworthy materials for homeschooled students, and this is both. This can easily make up a student’s entire math curriculum, from the tail end of elementary through their high school graduation.
- Students who want a supplement. Not all high schools have the same rigor in their math curriculum, due to a lack of resources or teachers. Math academy can supplement your existing high school coursework in these cases.
- Advanced students. Some students want to explore beyond what is offered at their school, or want to move more quickly through the material. The self-paced style and advanced options here provide a more personally tailored approach for these students.
Of course, this isn’t going to work for every student; some students are fine with the math courses offered by their school, and have no drive to explore the higher fields of mathematics. This is fine, but Math Academy is not a resource they are likely to avail themselves of.
If you are looking for a supplement, or to advance your math education at your own pace and in subjects you are interested in, then this is a great resource. In some cases, coupling this with an in-person math tutor can be helpful. While Math Academy’s program is robust, the direct feedback of a teacher can’t easily be replaced. This is a wonderful supplement however, and can form the basis for a full math education.
Calculus Supplement
College admissions like seeing calculus on a student’s transcript, especially if they intend to major in engineering or anywhere in the sciences. They are understanding if your school doesn’t offer calculus, but this can still be a major impediment to your time in college. Math Academy is ideal in these circumstances, as it allows you to pursue calculus even if it is not offered by your school.
Final Thoughts
Math is a remarkably unpopular field, in large part due to how much many students hated their own experiences in math class. A poor education can sour students on a topic for a long time, just as a great teacher can help a student find a new passion for a field.
We hope this article has fully explored what Math Academy can offer you, and shown you another resource you can use with your students. We’ve worked with homeschooled and advanced students alike, and know the kinds of challenges they face; we’re always looking for more resources to help them along their journey. If you’re looking for more resources for your student, or want to hear how we can help in more depth, schedule a free consultation today. We have a long experience helping students attain their educational goals, and are always happy to hear from you.
