Category Archives: Math Matters

2016 State of Our Schools

CMS Superintendent Ann Clark recognized Heart Math Tutoring’s work at the 2016 State of Our Schools address December 7th. The Superintendent cited the importance of community partners, Heart’s strong tutor base, and, most importantly, the impact on students. This was a very proud moment for all Heart supporters present and is certainly a highlight to wrapping up 2016.

Students who were explicitly told “I’m giving you … continue reading

2016 NC End of Grade Test Results Announced

This month, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released school-level and district-level results of End of Grade Tests (EOGs) from May 2016. Congratulations to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) on increasing graduation rates and on topping state averages in math, reading, and science tests! Additionally, 86% of CMS schools met or exceeded growth expectations. Across the state, science and math scores increased while third grade reading had a slight setback from prior years.

In CMS, about 48% of students are performing at reading levels deemed “college … continue reading

Heart Math Tutoring: The Formula for Classroom Success

NC State Philanthropy Journal News

Charlena Wynn

By Emily Elliott

“A sixth-grade girl experiencing homelessness in Charlotte in 2009 remarked over dinner, “I swear, sometimes my school feels invisible.” Investigating further, I saw that less than half of the students were performing on grade level at the time in this child’s school. At the time, I was an investment banking analyst and soon became a volunteer tutor in this child’s school. Immediately I saw the tremendous impact on students’ skills and confidence when they are … continue reading

Heart Math Tutoring Fills Critical Gaps in Math for Hundreds of CMS Students

Heart is proud to announce that in the 2015/16 school year, 99 percent of Heart students met program growth goals in math, growing in two or more building block concept areas. On average, students doubled the goal – growing in 4.6 concept areas. The goals were set with guidance from math specialists at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and UNC Charlotte.

“We are proud of our students and know that their tutors left them in a better place than they began, ultimately bringing long-term benefits,” says Emily Elliott, … continue reading

Confidence and Math Performance Equals Success in the Classroom and Beyond

By Emily Elliott, Executive Director of Heart Math Tutoring

Our tutors move the dial on students’ success in math. Half of their role is to deliver the math curriculum, and half is to be a positive influence. In our program, we measure students’ growth in math skills and academic confidence and/or enthusiasm. This article from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) suggests the two are connected.

According to PISA, students’ belief that they can solve math problems (mathematics “self-efficacy”) is associated with a difference … continue reading