2. WHAT IS FIRST IN MATH?
The Norristown area School District is one of
the many school districts in the nation that
uses the First in Math website.
Created by Suntex International, this online
resource is a credible math toolkit for use in
elementary and middle schools.
It is a supplement to the mathematics
curriculum and a skill-booster for
standardized test scores.
3. ANOTHER FIRST IN MATH FACT…
Someday in the near future, in my own
classroom, I would love for my students to be
able to access this resource on a daily basis.
What is most wonderful is that First in Math
can be accessed both from and away from
the school building!
4. ABOUT THE RESOURCE…
The 24 game, which has been an American
classroom staple for many years, is the
backbone of this valuable website.
The site and the embedded skill-sets adhere
to all state math standards.
There are eight main skill-sets, divided into
four groups progressively matched to
different grade levels.
5. EMBEDDDED SKILL SETS
The first two skill-sets are designed so that
students can add and subtract with accuracy
and speed.
The following two skill-sets help students’
master multiplication and division in the
same way and introduce pattern-sensing and
pre-algebra problems.
The next two skill-sets push for algebra
readiness and promote proficiency in
fractions and decimals.
6. MORE EMBEDDED SKILL SETS
The final two skill-sets focus on higher-level
algebra and allow students ample practice
with integers, exponents as well as evaluation
and simplification of algebraic expressions.
Therefore, each activity within the website is
designed to improve numeric fluency and to
strengthen problem-solving, reasoning and
communication skills.
7. AS A RESULT…
Case studies of assessment data have shown
marked improvement in student achievement
with help from the First in Math site.
Students learn key math concepts as they “play”
interactive math games.The handy teacher
home page allows teachers to keep track of
student progress and identify problems
immediately.
Unlike standardized test data, the First in Math
assessment reports gives the teacher an
opportunity to take action before the student
has moved on to the next level.
8. MORE GOOD RESULTS
The First in Math website is also helpful to ESL
students. Mathematics is truly a “universal
language,” and limited English proficiency
students find it easier to capture its concrete
concepts through this visual interface.
First in Math programs allow for a unique family
participation. Each family member can become
an engaged participant in their child’s education.
Armed with an user ID and password, family
members can log on and play along with their
students, boost their scores as well as refresh
their own math skills.
9. LEARN TO BE FIRST IN MATH!
In conclusion, I recommend this proven, fun
web-site to teachers, parents and students. It
is a great program to spur student interest,
challenge their existing content knowledge
and accelerate them to the next level. As
educators, we know that when students are
involved in their learning, wonderful things
start to happen.
10. WORKS CITED
First In Math, an Online Program. Materials
and content courtesy of
http://www.firstinmath.com/visitor/visitor-
content.asp
Retrieved 10 November 2010
