I teach high school math grades 9-12 in a Detroit public academy. Detroit's math scores on state testing is abysmal. However, last year's testing we were able to achieve 3rd place among 23 Detroit schools. The two schools that beat us are special schools that require entrance exams and recommendations to get in. We on the other hand serve the general population. We are making progress, but need resources and support for our students who are economically disadvantaged.
Many of my students do not have a stable home or money to purchase a good calculator. They often come to school hungry.
I have requested 5 Texas Instruments calculators that will be used in groups to facilitate student mastery of higher level mathematics. They will use them to calculate sin, cosine, tangent functions and many other statistical analytical tools. Students will use these same calculators to take their college entrance exams as well.
My students come from an economically disadvantaged environment. Michigan also has 15% unemployment for the adults because of auto industry restructuring. It is imperative for this generation to become educated so that they will be competitive in the new global environment. Education is their key out of the cycle of poverty and violence they are often trapped in. Math is a major stumbling block along that road and I am on a mission to knock down barriers that prevent them from being all they can be. This is a key tool necessary for them to succeed at higher level mathematics. They cannot afford to purchase these on their own and if provided to my class we will use them effectively and maximize their value.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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