Math Practice Program
The CCC is likely the only after school children’s chorus with a full-time math teacher!
How did that happen? At a rehearsal in 2018, two girls asked for help with their math homework. They inspired others to ask for help, showing a clear need for individualized instruction. That was the springboard for our now-required Math Practice Program (MPP).
Why Math?
- Nearly every child in our program enters at least one grade level behind in math. In fact, only 3% of Chester’s 8th graders are at or above grade level in math.
- Learning and applying math gives our children options for post-secondary success.
About the Program
The CCC Math Practice Program is simple and powerful.
We Assess, Practice, Encourage and Repeat. This gives the students the time and support they need to master concepts, and the instructors the specific information they need to help students learn.
Assess - each student is assessed annually, and based on the results, an individual practice plan is created for that student.
Practice — students study and practice concepts until achieving mastery. Our middle and high schoolers practice 1-to-1 with their math coaches, Swarthmore College students. Our elementary students practice in small groups and 1-to-1 with our full-time math teacher, our education director, and Swarthmore College students.
Encouragement — The heart of MPP is encouragement. With small groups and one-to-one instruction, teachers and coaches have the opportunity to give our children the encouragement, attention, and kindness they need to review and master concepts from previous grades.
Repeat — The MPP cycle repeats weekly, monthly, and yearly; this repetition allows instructors to respond continually to their students’ progress and struggles and gives the students the time they need to build confidence, skill, and understanding.
The CCC Math Practice Program Schedule
- All CCC children are practicing math.
- In the fall and spring semesters, our children practice twice weekly.
- During our Summer Learning Program, they practice daily.