THE BASICS

America Counts is an after-school math tutoring program for 4th grade students. University of Maryland mentors work with groups of 2-4 students twice a week after school, providing homework help, and engaging students in math “centers” that review difficult math concepts in an active, hands-on way.

PROGRAM GOALS

• To develop and facilitate enriching activities that link basic mathematical concepts to everyday life skills and events
• To boost the mentees’ self- confidence and self-esteem in their ability to do mathematics
• To expose elementary school students to career possibilities that utilize mathematical concepts and skills, such as engineering, computer science, and math education
• To provide additional support for classroom teachers in mathematics
• To foster the development of collaborative thinking and teamwork
• To develop a sense of the importance of community involvement in University of Maryland students

PARTICIPATING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WILL

• Develop a positive attitude about mathematics and increase motivation to link concepts to everyday life
• Receive personal attention
• Improve basic mathematics skills
• Improve strategies for problem solving and critical thinking
• Complete long term projects linking mathematics concepts to real-world activities
• Improve strategies for taking mathematics assessments
• Increase cooperative learning skills
• Gain insight to solving complex problems

THE DATA

All children who participate in the America Counts program complete a pre-test and post-test assessment of their math skills throughout the course of the year. Of the children who completed these pre- and post-year assessments during the 2008-09 school year:

19% of students increased their scores by at least 40%
34% of students increased their scores by at least 30%
63% of students increased their scores by at least 20%
81% of students increased their scores by at least 10%

2009-2010 Participating schools

• Bladensburg Elementary
• Calverton Elementary
• Adelphi Elementary
• Mt. Rainier Elementary
• Springhill Lake Elementary
• Templeton Elementary
• Thomas Stone Elementary

What teachers AND PARENTS are saying about America Counts

“Every year – when I enter my students into the America Counts after school program – I most definitely see the greatest improvements in skills from these students. I am thrilled to see confidence levels rise as well as improvement on test scores. This is a vital and necessary chance for my students to attain math proficiency – that they would not receive during the normal school day.

Teacher at Mt. Rainier Elementary School

“The students gain cooperation skills with peers and mentors, academic prowess in mathematics, self-confidence, and an introduction to the university experience. The students who participate have few opportunities to receive help from someone other than their teacher. The America Counts program offers an opportunity to increase their ability and love of mathematics.”

Participating Elementary School Principal

“The America Counts program met the complete needs of [our] students…The program has been so successful that our students have made significant gains on their class and county benchmark assessments…The teachers also noticed the students had more confidence in completing class and home assignments.”

Participating Elementary School Principal

“This program has been wonderful for our son…[he]has shown more enthusiasm towards his assignments and it has shown in his grades…in our opinion he has done better this school year with America Counts than he has done in the past…”

- Parent at Calverton Elementary School

“The students are very excited about the program and ask me during the during the day if the mentors will be coming…I can honestly say that America Counts has been a great asset to many of our students. They have been getting personalized instruction that they otherwise would not have received. I am sure that this will help to increase their test scores. I hope that our school will have the opportunity to have this program again next year and for many years to come.”

Teacher at Mt. Rainier Elementary School