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, confidence, and determination.
MMS teachers view mathematics as a tool that supports the continual development of the students’ emotional intelligence. Teachers nurture a classroom culture that encourages self-awareness, resilience, and humility. Students are reminded not to compare themselves to others. 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. The sorting process often leaves out many students that would enjoy an accelerated class, or pushes students into a class that is not yet the right fit for them. At MMS, we wanted to develop a process that was student-driven, allowing each student to discover what feels right for them.
Our math path selection process begins in sixth grade, when students select a math elective, either 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. MMS offers options for students to accelerate their math path as late as grade 10.
“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.”
Dr. Nicole Tervalon, who teaches the accelerated eighth grade class, states that the students “have self-selected into a class they are pouring their hearts and motivation into.” This year’s class is the first group to walk the new math paths.
Many people in traditional programs are left with feelings of not being good at math well into adulthood. At MMS, we wanted to shift this narrative by providing students with choice and opportunities to explore mathematics in different ways. In doing so, we are opening the possibility for all students to be confident and successful in math. – By Katrina Leni-Konig
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,