Making Math Fun

On April 11, The Huffington Post released an article regarding the struggle to make math into a "fun" subject that children would want to study. The United States falls behind many other countries when it comes to math. 


When standardized tests were last given around the world (60 countries participated), the United States showed improvement in science and even reading, however, "Mathematics was the category where the U.S. lagged most, performing below average compared with students in other nations. U.S. students had an average score of 487, while the OECD average score was 496. The U.S. math score in 2006 was 474 compared with an average that year of 498. Seventeen other industrialized countries performed better on average. About 23% of U.S. students scored below the "level 2" benchmark." (WSJ)


So the United States has finally decided to branch out and figure out alternative ways to teach math. Everything from robots to television shows have been created for the purpose of teaching math. "America has a cultural problem with math. It's the subject, more than any other, that we as a country love to hate," said Glen Whitney, a passionate mathematician who worked for years developing algorithms for hedge funds. "We don't see it as dynamic. It's rote and boring and done by dead Greek guys a thousand years ago."


Brainy Academy has opened up for just that reason. We use the Singapore Math Method, which is a teaching method from Singapore that promotes logic and problem solving skills. "These textbooks have a consistent and strong emphasis on problem solving and model drawing, with a focus on in-depth understanding of the essential math skills recommended in the NCTM Curriculum Focal Points (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, and the proposed Common Core State Standards" (National Council of Mathematics). 


Our Summer Education will utilizes the Singapore math system. This system is excellent for children because it teaches them to solve problems on their own, and rather than memorizing numbers, they will be able to actually think through and complete tasks, which is a skill that helps children for life. 


Check out Brainy Academy's summer program and math tutoring by visiting our website: www.brainyacademyny.com

NYC Gifted and Talented: Testing

New York City department of education announced that Gifted and Talented testing will take place between January 3rd and February 10, 2012.  As in previous years private school and pre-kindergarden students were send letters home indicating date, time and location of the test.   Public school students received a confirmation letter from their school.

When applying for Gifted and Talented testing parents had the option of filling out a paper application or doing so online.  It is generally thought preferable to apply online as this ensures parent will receive proof of application immediately after filing.  The parents who apply online will receive all communications in both email and written form.  In the years past the parents who applied for Gifted and Talented testing online received results of their child’s testing faster than those who filled out paper applications.

In the years past there has sometimes been only 2 weeks between receiving results of the gifted and talented test and deadline to apply for programs.

In order to qualify for admission into one of the city’s prestigious citywide gifted and talented schools a child must receive a score of 97 or above on the test.  However due to a very limited number of open spots only those who have received 99 or above will have a realistic chance of being admitted into 4 of the programs (the exception being the queens based program).  In reality few if any children are admitted into these schools after kindergarten.   New York City’s citywide gifted and talented programs include:

Anderson School (Manhattan)

Nest (Manhattan)

TAG (Manhttan)

BSI (Brooklyn)

Stem (Queens)

Multiple district programs are also available.

This post is part 1 of a 3 part series.  Part 2 is available here.