Image retrieved from Google images.

By: Danielle Grier

Community Math Academy

The Community Math Academy (CMA) was developed
by the Close the Gap Committee in Grier County as a
non -profit organization to help close the achievement
gap for low-performing students in math. It was
originally developed to target minority students. Since
its inception seven years ago, the program has expanded
to teach any low performing student in the district.
*Note: Grier is a pseudonym.

Objectives-Oriented Approach
-Specifies goals and objectives and
determines the extent to which those
goals and objectives have been attained
by the program in question (Fitzpatrick,
Sanders, & Worthen, 1997).

Image retrieved from Google images.

Evaluation Questions
1. How effective is the Math Academy at developing and
maintaining students interest, involvement, and
perseverance with mathematics?
2. How does the Community Math Academy enhance the
knowledge and skills of students in mathematics?
3. What aspects of the Community Math Academy help to
increase access to programming for students who struggle
with mathematics?

Pre- and Post-Test

Scores
Interviews and
Observations

Student Math
Journals

Data
Sources

Data Analysis: Pre- and Post-Test Results

10
8
Pre Test

Post Test
4
2
0
s1

s2

s3

s4

s5

s6

s7

s8

s9

s10

s11

s12

Class 1 Results: This bar graph represents students pre and post-test scores
on the 10-item assessment given during Math Academy. Overall, the findings
detailed that the class average initially was 3.125 and it improved to 4.65 by the
end of the program. The data points were based on the number of problems
calculated correctly during the assessment.

Data Analysis: Student Journal Responses

Today in math, I learned how to do more hands on equations and
fractions. My goal tomorrow is to keep showing progress and stop
doubting myself.
- 5th grader

Today in math, we had a farmers market come in and we had to

estimate our cost. My main goal tomorrow is to do my best and start
rechecking my answer. - 5th grader
Today in math, I learned how to multiply a mixed number and a whole
number. I didnt know that you could use a picture to multiply. We had a
good day.
- 5th grader
Today I learned that there are many ways to describe the number two.
You can write riddles. You can use division. You can use addition and
subtraction. You can use multiplication. You can draw swirls with the
same colors. You can draw balloons. But you have to put them in pairs to
have two.
- 6th grader

Interview Responses, July 2014

Data Analysis: Interviews

Data Collection Tool

Interviews

Responses

We absolutely need the arts (music, PE, art,

robotics, etc.). These classes are often the best part
of some of the students day and they integrate so
well with other subjects.
The cost of good camps can be pricey for parents
whereas math academy is funded already for them.
Some may not even be knowledgeable about the
camps availability.
The Academy has 95 percent attendance and 65
percent parent involvement.

Program Highlights- July 2014

129 students enrolled
16 elementary schools represented from the district
15 church vans provided transportation
2 sites operated
16 certified staff hired (principals & teachers)
19 student assistants (high school & college students)
25 community partners
15 food baskets donated
15 students attended science/physics camp (5th & 6th grades)
14 students attended robotics camp (5th & 6th grades)
36 students attended art camp (3rd-6th grades)
850 cans of food collected for the can drive

Program Recommendations
Expand to serve more students
Consider a more diverse teaching staff
Provide student-led parent curriculum nights
Revise pre-test and post-test
Develop a placement test to allow for fair
selection of students for Robotics and Science
camps