My Nonprofit Reviews
syaffee
Review for Dramatic Results, Long Beach, CA, USA
During my tenure as the LBUSD elementary mathematics advisor, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in the wonderful Math In A Basket Program at several of the Long Beach Unified schools. I also had numerous opportunities to participate in the hands-on teacher preparation trainings that Dramatic Results provided our regular classroom instructors.
I have been most favorably impressed with the program because it is aligned with the California mathematics grade level standards, and these standards are addressed at every appropriate stage of instruction, by the exemplary staff of teachers and para-educators working for the Dramatic Results program.
Most importantly I saw the positive effects of this program, both in terms of student self-esteem and academic achievement in mathematics. Students were thrilled to have the Dramatic Results educators visit their schools and provide additional mathematics/art experiences. The parents were amazed at the accomplishments of their children, as the students proudly shared their finished products both informally and formally (at the year end Dramatic Results celebration). Children were able to describe to their parents, using appropriate mathematics language, their artistic techniques while demonstrating the procedures they had utilized in creating their baskets.
The Math In a Basket Program has proven to be a wonderful adjunct to the LBUSD mathematics program, especially among disinterested and lower achieving math students, while also enriching and extending the mathematical knowledge of the higher math achievers.
This invaluable program not only prevents students from "giving up on math" but developes and promotes mathematical literacy among all students.
The Math In a Basket instruction within the Dramatic Results Program, is the kind of fun mathematical education that results in that glorious teachable moment when the "light comes on," and the students say, "Oh, now I get it!" as they make math connections that the children will remember and utilize throughout their educational careers.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Teacher preparation, in-class instruction, increased student academic achievement in mathematics, and improved student self-esteem.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand the program to all LBUSD schools, so that all students would have the opportunity to experience the hands-on manipulative, purposeful, math education that is central to this program and student mathematical literacy.
