SALT LAKE CITY – Learning math is not a race but a journey. Our Lady of Lourdes School’s Advanced Math Program take students on a journey that sets them up for higher-level learning in the future.
The program is offered to students in grades five through eight who have demonstrated aptitude for math. At the end of eighth grade students in the program will have completed freshman geometry, integrated with students at Judge Memorial Catholic High School; one goal of the program is to give advanced math students the opportunity to test out of freshman math and enter an honors or higher-level math course at the start of high school.
The program has proven successful. More than 90 percent of Lourdes’ graduates attend Judge Memorial, where they consistently take honors algebra and geometry classes in their freshman year. This year, as freshmen, Rocco Martinez tested into pre-calculus and Leah Han tested into pre-calculus honors.
At last year’s Diocesan Science Fair, Leah also received first place for best use of mathematics for her project.
To be considered for Lourdes’ Advanced Math Program, fourth-grade students are given a placement test that is judged by accuracy of answers and the time needed for completion. Teacher recommendations, math grades and Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBM) also are taken into consideration. The math teachers and principal also look for students who meet the following character traits: attendance, emotional and social maturity, ability to work at a rigorous pace, self-monitoring, self-motivation and discipline, organizational skills and the ability to work on task without cause for disruption.
Students accepted into the program are expected to always be prepared, have their homework complete and be able to keep up with the work.
“Since we know that not all students are the same, it makes sense to provide opportunities to learn that reflect students’ abilities and preferences, and challenge them at the appropriate level,” said Christine Bergquist, Our Lady of Lourdes principal.
To improve its math program, the school last year provided new textbooks and math resources for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. These resources are part of the math curriculum series used in grades six through eight. Lourdes math teachers are in constant contact with Judge Memorial math teachers to ensure necessary skills are taught to prepare students for high school. They also attend professional development with the aim of learning the most effective, evidence-based teaching methods.
With increased demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses at all education levels, Our Lady of Lourdes School is doing its part to position students for readiness and success in high school and beyond.
Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School
Stay Connected With Us