AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Jun 13, 2016) - Agile Mind, a leading provider of programs for teaching and learning, announced today the launch of Intensified Mathematics I, designed for districts following an integrated mathematics pathway to help struggling students succeed in gateway mathematics courses. The new Intensified Mathematics I program integrates best practices in math instruction for adolescents with powerful advances from developmental and social psychology, to strengthen beliefs and behaviors that enable students to succeed in challenging high-school content.
According to the 2015 results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 33% of 8th grade students are achieving at or above the Proficient level in mathematics, meaning the majority of students entering high school are missing key skills and may be at greater risk of falling behind. With a growing achievement gap in high school mathematics, educators and curriculum experts are rethinking traditional models of remediation and making the move towards an architecture of intensification -- often referred to as simply "intensification."
Combining interactive content, rigorous curriculum and high-quality professional development for educators, the extended-period course enables students who begin the year up to three years behind in mathematics to end the year at grade level. Built on pioneering research and insights from The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin, is an asset-based strategy that builds on each learner's strengths and integrates tools and supports known to improve the academic success of students struggling with challenging, relevant mathematics content.
"We know from the research that students' confidence can help them overcome adversity and succeed in even the most challenging subjects," said Linda Chaput, founder and CEO of Agile Mind. "With 7 in 10 students arriving in high school below grade level in math, many because of motivational issues rather than capability, educators are looking for new and effective strategies for instruction. We are excited to expand the learning opportunity for Intensification to many more students across the country."
The new Intensified Mathematics I course expands on the proven model of the Intensified Algebra I program, which Agile Mind developed in collaboration with the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas-Austin and the Learning Sciences Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago, along with funding support from the National Science Foundation, Searle Funds of the Chicago Community Trust, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
About Agile Mind: Agile Mind is committed to enhancing equity and achievement in mathematics and science for all students. Founded in 2002, the company works in collaboration with educators to develop programs and tools that support engaging, rigorous instructional experiences. Since its inception, Agile Mind has served almost 4 million students, and supported more than 35,000 educators across the nation. Agile Mind's programs infuse social-emotional and non-cognitive skills development, such as productive persistence and motivation, into core curriculum and teach learning approaches that enable students who are significantly behind to master grade-level content while simultaneously addressing challenges they may be experiencing. The company's blended learning programs encompass job-embedded professional development, student practice, formative assessment and analytics to improve student persistence and cultivate learning mindsets within rigorous core curricula.
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Ted Eismeier