Category Archives: Math Matters

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

STEM and Workforce Development – A Ticket Out of Poverty

By Emily Elliott, Executive Director of Heart Math Tutoring

Financial services and technology firms are noting the need for diversity by race and gender. According to this article, by Michael Bodson, President and CEO of DTCC, Black and Hispanic students combined account for only 7% of math and computer science graduate students, yet substantial math and technology skills are required for two-thirds of jobs in banking and finance.

More broadly than financial services, studies show that people of color make up 10% of … continue reading

Building Early Math Skills Key To Later Academic Success

Too Small To Fail conducted a Q&A with Deborah J. Stipek, dean of Stanford Graduate School of Education, on the importance of introducing children to math concepts early. Read that interview here, which includes tips and resources for parents.

The importance of early, hands-on experiences with numbers helps explain why Heart’s intervention is necessary and gives the rationale for some aspects of the program.

“Children learn best during playful, everyday activities, like counting their toes, the buttons on their shirt, the steps … continue reading

Video Features Heart Students, Teachers And Tutors

This 11-minute video spotlights how Heart Math Tutoring connects students and tutors for results that count. Interested in becoming a tutor for one hour a week? Click here to sign up today to become a volunteer.… continue reading

Filling the International Skills Gap, Together

By Emily Elliott
Executive Director

A recent commentary in Education Week by Christopher T. Cross made the case for rigorous educational standards in the United States. Under the banner “Common Core,” we have seen rigorous standards face some degree of controversy, but few would argue against holding a high bar of excellence for United States citizens, especially paired with statistics showing the U.S. is slipping in international metrics.

Cross cites that the U.S. tied for last place of 22 nations in numeracy and ranked 20th … continue reading