MathScore Raises Test Scores We take a unique approach to raising test scores because we focus on the source of the problem, not the symptoms. Whenever a school needs to raise test scores, the students are weak with basic skills, particularly number sense. Typical symptoms include weakness with fractions, negative numbers, and long division. Another symptom is a weakness with critical thinking skills. Based on our statistics with thousands of MathScore students, we confidently state that the real source of the problem is weakness with the most fundamental skills, such as basic addition and multiplication. In particular, we estimate that less than 20% of all fifth graders and less than 50% of all 8th graders in the United States know their multiplication math facts through 10 × 10. This great weakness with multiplication as well as addition math facts is simply not tested by today's assessments. Unlike most assessment programs, MathScore can accurately assess automaticity with addition and multiplication math facts. More importantly, MathScore fixes this problem, which has led to some outstanding test score improvements. In our original pilot program, 6 out of 34 5th grade students at Bishop Elementary (Title 1 school in Sunnyvale, CA) knew their multiplication math facts. After 3 months of using MathScore only 1 hour per week, 30 out of 34 had mastered them (50 out of 50 correct in 130 seconds). Although only 34% of those students had scored "proficient" or "advanced" on the California STAR exam as 4th graders, 53% of the same students ended up scoring "proficient" or "advanced" as 5th graders! A year later, the entire 4th and 5th grade adopted MathScore and achieved similar results. Some analysis is posted here. More recently, we achieved dramatic improvements on the California 2008 STAR exam in Modesto, as shown by this letter: Hello Steven, Our site is very interested in the Math Score program. The 18 case-study students we used last year during the free trial had an exceptional jump in STAR scores. In fact 16 of the 18 advanced an entire level, together they accumulated a 666 point increase. The most amazing thing to me was the increased motivation the program gave students. I have never seen students more excited to complete math problems. Our math teachers are sold out on this program and will do anything to get it. I believe in this program and would like to see every student at our school eventually participating in this program. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Nick Stever Assistant Principal Daniel J. Savage Middle School Sylvan Union School District Modesto, CA MathScore is Comprehensive MathScore provides a full curriculum from 2nd grade through Algebra I. This allows for complete differentiated instruction, and enables gifted students to learn new concepts ahead of the teacher's pace. MathScore is Easy to Deploy MathScore is 100% Internet-based, requires no plug-ins, and therefore requires absolutely no installation. You have no server to maintain. When you sign up, you get a master "admin" account that can add/edit/remove all of your student and teacher accounts. If you have a database, it is usually possible to bulk load all of your students into our system. We do not limit the number of simultaneous connections, and your students and teachers are more than welcome to log in from home, the library, etc. Deployment Success Factors To raise test scores, you need the following: Teacher Involvement: MathScore is paperless, fun for students, and provides great progress reports. Most importantly, it saves time for teachers. Have your staff view the teacher section of this website and view the demos, which will tell them exactly how easy it is to deploy MathScore successfully with their students. Student Motivation: MathScore's system of levels, ratings, cumulative points, ranks, and other fun features create a competitive, exciting environment that motivates most students to work extremely hard while logged in. Have a group of students log in at the same time, and they will naturally compete with each other, often asking, "What level are you on?" In one school year, a typical student who uses MathScore one hour per week will complete over 10,000 math problems. Concentration on Math Practice: Unlike most competing products, which often provide passive, instructional videos, MathScore is 100% focused on math practice. Basic skills require practice to master, and there simply is no replacement for math practice. The secret of MathScore is that we motivate students to practice basic skills in large quantities. Next Steps The following short videos will show you how MathScore works and also teach you how to successfully deploy MathScore in your school: If you are more hands-on, you might wish to try the instant free trial. To get a quote for your school or district, click here. If timing is urgent, please directly call 888-810-MATH. Otherwise, we prefer for you to fill out the request form. You should also send your teachers to http://www.mathscore.com/school/teacher/ so that they can learn about MathScore. You might also wish to consult our School Version FAQ.