Does your child need help with math, look for a healthy challenge, or want to get ahead? Before you hire an expensive private tutor, there are a few enrichment math programs worth looking into.
According to a recent report, titled "Globally Challenged: Are U.S. Students Ready for Compete?", U.S. students fall behind 31 countries in math proficiency. Korea, Finland, Switzerland, Japan, Canada and the Netherlands all performed at a rate higher than 50 percent proficient by NAEP (National Assessment for Educational Progress) standards, while U.S. only performed at 32 percent proficiency. Of all 50 U.S. states, only Massachusetts had half or more of its students performing at or above the NAEP proficiency mark. The chances are, our children could use extra help in math.
Kumon
Kumon is one of the most popular math enrichment programs. It has many centers in the bay area. Kumon math curriculum has many levels, from preschool to high school. Kids can learn at his/her own pace and progress through the levels. Kumon methods emphasis on speed and accuracy which are achieved through repetitive practices. There is a small amount of homework everyday. Kids generally like Kumon because the sense of accomplishment by moving up the levels. It is amazing sometimes how kids love a nice certificate or small material rewards. The first Kumon center was open in Japan, 1955. Now it has more than 300,000 students in North America.
MPM
MPM is a self-learning system designed for K-6 grade student and personalized for each student. MPM stands for Multi-Process-Model. It is designed based on multi-process and multi-model mathematics. MPM program uses manipulative tools to help students build a strong math foundation by focusing on the development of critical thinking, logical inference, problem solving, and independent study skills. The ideal age for new student is 5-8 year old. The program normally requires two sessions per week. This program is very popular among Chinese communities as many instructors are Chinese. MPM was established since 1989 and more than 100,000 students all over the world. MPM has centers in Berlingame, Cupertino, Fremont, Los Altos, Millbrae, Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, Union City.
Russian School of Mathematics
RSM a popular K-12 after-school mathematics enrichment program founded in the Boston area. It was developed based on classical traditions of systematic math education. The mathematics curriculum for grades K-12 provides a three level structure ranging from beginner to advanced for each grade with courses including Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Test Preparation for the ISEE, SAT-I, SAT-II, ACT and AP. Many RSM studentss achieve impressive SAT scores and other math test scores. It currently has two locations in California: San Jose and Foster City.
Enopi
E.nopi is a supplemental education program that originated in Korea about 30 years ago and now has over 2.5 million children enrolled world-wide. For kids age 3-16, the math program tries to build essential computative skills as well as critical thinking skills. The program is aligned to US educational standards. Assessment tests are given to new students in order to individualize the program. Students goes to the center once or twice a week. Homework is not required but encouraged. Enopi currently has centers in San Jose, Pleasanton, Newark, Milpitas, Millbrae, Fremont, San Mateo, Danville, Almaden.
Singapore Math
Singapore math is a teaching method based on the primary textbooks and syllabus from the national curriculum of Singapore. These textbooks have a consistent and strong emphasis on problem solving and model drawing. When Singapore emerged as top-performing nation in math starting mid 1990's, the world took notice of its math teaching system. Many schools in US have added Singapore math. However for the majority of the families, learning at home or with a tutor is the only option. The California State Board of Education has approved the adoption of many K-5 Singapore MathTM series. These books can be found online or certain bookstores. For more information on the method, see the Singapore Math Method on Wikipedia.
Mathnasium
Mathnasium is a learning center specialized in math. Students go year-round and attend twice a week. Mathnasium method employs diagnostics, instruction, worksheets, manipulatives, and games to build Number Sense, confidence and a deep understanding and lifelong love of mathematics. It was developed by a teacher and math teaching consultant in the Los Angeles area for the past 30 years. New students go through comprehensive written and oral evaluation first, then follow a customized program that focuses on written materials and mental math. Mathnasium has over 200 learning centers in US, including Cupertino, Los Gatos, Pleasanton, San Jose, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and other California locations.
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