To prepare students to meet the Georgia mathematics standards, Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School has implemented Accelerated Math, a program that accelerates the learning of mathematics when used in conjunction with their existing instructional practices and their math textbook. Accelerated Math ensures that students are working at an appropriate level, mastering new objectives, and reviewing skills that they have already mastered. With this program, teachers are provided with information that allows them to make informed instructional decisions and tailor math interventions to meet the needs of individual students.

At the beginning of the school year, students were pretested using STAR math. The results of this test allowed the teachers to assign individual students to instructional objectives and activities with Accelerated Math that were appropriate based on their performance on STAR Math.

How does Accelerated Math work?

1. The students take a diagnostic test, the teacher teaches the objectives, and then assigns group and individual lessons.

2. Accelerated Math prints a personalized assignment for each student.

3. Students complete the assignments and scan the answers back into the computer using an optical mark scanner.

4. The assignment is automatically scored and instant feedback is provided to the student.

5. The program generates the next practice assignment for each student, taking into account the objectives mastered and the objectives that each student needs more practice on.

6. The teacher reviews student reports and gives individual lessons for those students that need more help on an objective.

7. The teacher assigns new objectives based on the students’ level of understanding.

Jennifer Paradis, a fourth grade teacher, expressed that "Accelerated Math is wonderful. It allows students to move at their own pace and keeps skills fresh. It also provides immediate feedback so that remediation can be implemented. It is also challenging because the skill difficulty levels increase as the student grows mathematically."

Fifth grade teacher Amy Blocker, stated, "I feel it gives the students a chance to repeat skills they need to work on while also challenging them in new areas.

Students felt the program was successful as well. Luke said, "I like seeing new stuff on the worksheets, things my teacher hasn’t covered yet." Abby was very excited about the program. She said, "You can work at your own level. It helps you learn new math skills everyday."

We are very pleased with our students’ progress within the Accelerated Math program. Daily practice throughout the school year produced great results. Making daily mathematics practice this summer a part of your child’s schedule will guarantee a better start for the 2008-2009 school year.