Computer interactive mentoring proves kids can learn (no surprise)

From Pacifica Tribune/Jane Northrop, 2/22/12. "We Teach Science shows test score gain in math for Pacifica students."

"Interactive computer math is cool!"

"Test scores show the unique teaching method of We Teach Science is effectively improving math scores in Pacifica. We Teach Science matches STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) mentors one-on-one with eighth grade students for weekly remote tutoring sessions conducted through an interactive computer. 

There have been some changes since Aragon Burlingham first brought the program he developed to the Pacifica School District through the portal of Cabrillo School's eighth graders and their math teacher, Don Potter, three years ago. That first year, only about a dozen students at Cabrillo connected with STEM professionals for one-on-one mentoring through a web-based interactive whiteboard and audio connection.  

Now in its third year, the Remote Tutoring and Mentoring (RTM) has expanded to include 50 students at three of the four schools with eighth graders in the PSD (Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School is not included due to a scheduling conflict) and another 50 students in the Berryessa School District in San Jose. The sessions last one hour and have become part of the school day instead of an after school program. Sessions run the whole school year. "We have doubled the program without losing the strength of it," Burlingham said. Test scores revealed the students who had mentors scored 22 percent higher between seventh and eighth grade. Growth was calculated by subtracting the seventh grade score from the eighth grade algebra score. RTM students' growth in math scores were also compared to those of non-participants. Pacifica students with mentors showed an 11 point growth over their peers. Their test scores rose 1.6 points per hour of mentoring in the eighth grade"   Read more. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh