MATHEMATICS

By the time most black boys reach middle school (Junior High), they are already significantly behind their white or Asian peers in mathematical understanding and skills.

Since math is a core discipline for a number of academic studies and careers, it is imperative that quantitative skills are developed and honed. In addition, a significant portion of the SAT and other college entrance criteria are based on quantitative skills and understanding and the students need a good basis in math to be able to qualify into and master higher education.

In M³ we consider mathematics to be a conceptual language and have a similar approach to math as is used in many language programs- getting the students "immersed" in the subject matter. Many of the boys have a math proficiency that is one or more grades below where they should be, and as a consequence a rigorous math program with daily sessions and lots of assistance gives them the basis to feel comfortable and learn.

In addition to the academic classroom work, M³ has practical exercises and experimentation (mostly during the Saturday sessions) where the students see the practical side of mathematics. We show how math is involved in their everyday lives - computer games, cooking, amusement park rides, etc. This gives them an understanding of why math is important and how it's used from a sociological perspective.

Giving the students the perspective that mathematics is a common and necessary aspect of their everyday lives enables the students to relate to math in a relaxed and comfortable manner - the strangeness and distance that many black boys experience with math is removed.

Help us assist the boys in gaining quantitative skills and creating leaders in the community.