Inspiring a Love For Math
Presentation on Singapore math given by Master Educator and
St. Andrew's Academy teacher, Leigh Anderson

Tuesday, October 16, 2008
7:00 PM

St. Andrew’s Academy has found success with Singapore math. Could it help your child?

The method for how math is taught in Singapore has been imported to the U.S. with remarkably positive results. St. Andrew’s Academy with students from across the eastern metro area is a mentor school for other schools new to the program and is sponsoring an informational presentation on Oct. 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Mahtomedi, Minn. September 23, 2008 – While many school districts and parents search for ways to improve student performance on standardized tests, St. Andrew’s Academy, an independent ELCA Lutheran K-6 grade school, thinks it has found a resolution – from Singapore.

When St. Andrew’s Academy Lower School Director and teacher Leigh Anderson first heard of Singapore math, she was skeptical. After all, it seemed that new “fixes” for the U.S. math situation popped-up frequently. Upon further investigation, however, she found that students in Singapore consistently scored at the top of international standardized math tests such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS). So she dug deeper and found a well-structured program based on sound academic research that has led to improvements in math abilities in a variety of school settings.

Singapore math is the name given to the math program used across the board in Singapore schools where English is the official language. Its introduction to the U.S. started on a small scale by families who, after living in Singapore, wanted their children to continue with the program. News of the program’s success led to its adoption by home school families, then small private schools, individual public schools and even whole school districts. “As an educational movement, Singapore math is still in its infancy in the US, yet it’s growing rapidly due to the reported improvement in math abilities,” says Anderson.

St. Andrew’s Academy implemented Singapore math during the 2007 – 2008 school year after extensive research into the program, a pilot trial the previous year, and teacher training. It’s too soon to get accurate data, but St. Andrew’s Academy student math scores improved at a higher rate than state-wide scores, and parents have reported that their children are now able to solve seemingly complex math problems without a pencil. “It’s amazing how fast and accurately my first grader can do calculations in her head,” said parent Kim Zitzmann of Stillwater.

Singapore math teaches an eight-step strategy that helps students get their arms around multi-step word problems. It also uses consistent pictorial representations of number concepts so that students recognize how the numbers relate to each other. “I’ve been impressed at the improvement in my twin sons’ math abilities. But what’s even more remarkable is how much more confident they are about math and they like it better,” reports Lake Elmo resident Diane Nielsen.

In fact, those are some of the main benefits reported by schools which have implemented Singapore math. Because Singapore math emphasizes teaching to concept mastery rather than exposure, students are well prepared to handle new concepts. In addition, the program moves students from the concrete to the conceptual, encouraging an understanding of the numbers rather than memorization of procedures.

By giving students a strong sense of numbers and how they relate to one another, as well as the ability to solve multi-step problems, “We think Singapore math is the best program in terms of preparing our students for higher levels of math including algebra - which happens to coincide with the new state mandated 8th grade algebra requirement,” states St. Andrew’s Academy Head of School Ed Cavin.

Another reason that Singapore math has been such a great addition to St. Andrew’s Academy is that the school focuses on individualized learning in all areas. Singapore math allows concepts to be taught at differentiated levels so that each student can learn at his or her individual level and pace. Roxane Becken of Woodbury is pleased that her St. Andrew’s Academy 6th grader has been “fully challenged in math.” This is partly due to the premise of Singapore math that students have great potential and thirst for math experiences that both challenge and excite learners.

While St. Andrew’s Academy has experienced success, Singapore math may not be the answer for all schools. St. Andrew’s Academy has classrooms that average fewer than 15 students and it is committed to rigorous and ongoing teacher training in the program. Some schools and districts may not be able to make that commitment. In addition, since Singapore math uses the metric system, lessons in U.S. measurements need to be supplemented, as do lessons in probability.

St. Andrew’s Academy is a mentor site for other schools new to or considering Singapore math and has been featured in local news segments on FOX9, WCCO and an upcoming segment on KARE11. To help answer some of the questions it has been receiving about Singapore math, St. Andrew’s Academy in Mahtomedi is sponsoring a presentation open to the public titled, Inspiring a Love for Math, on Tuesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m.




St. Andrews Academy 4th Graders Get Real with Work
Kim Insley   KARE11 What's Cool in School

Leigh Anderson wants her 4th graders to be good writers. She also wants them to know how the writing skills they learn in class will one day help them in the working world.

So, the St. Andrews Academy teacher in Mahtomedi has partnered with Trish Appleby of Donatelli's in White Bear Lake to create a real world work experience.

"I thought, you know, what an opportunity for them to fill out an application, go through an interview process, actually work for a day," says Appleby.

She pairs up the students with her staff, and they work the lunch shift. Tips the students make as servers, hosts and in other positions are then donated to a charity of the students' choosing.

Anderson says students aren't just showing up for work. They've had to write resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, go through job interviews and train for their positions.


Click on the video to learn more.
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