America Counts - Information
America Counts is a nation-wide program that's aimed at improving mathematics achievement for students from grades K-8. The goal of the program is to help build a strong mathematical foundation for students and ensure greater college success and access to careers in a growing technological market.
As of May 2000, nearly 500 colleges and universities are participating in America Counts across the country. America Counts takes several forms on different campuses. Last year, the University of Maryland in collaboration with Prince George's County Public Schools, sent over over 30 Federal-Work Study college students to tutor 4th grade students in three elementary after-school programs 3 days a week.
Mission Statement
| The mission of America Reads*America Counts, a partnership between the University of Maryland and Prince George’s County Public Schools, is to provide a high quality mentoring program that enriches learning opportunities for both college and elementary school students. |
Program Basics
Who?
- America Counts Math mentors are a group of University of Maryland Federal Work-Study student employees.
- Math Mentors are screened, interviewed, and thoroughly trained before they begin mentoring. Mentors must work at least 6 hours per week, participate in development sessions throughout their employment, and commit to the program for at least one semester.
- Math Mentors are paid by the University with Federal Work Study money for their service. Starting salary is $10.00 an hour, with raises for each semester employed, capping out at $12.00 an hour.
What?
- The University of Maryland America Counts program is a partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools and will provide nearly 30 Mentors each semester to tutor fourth graders.
- Math Mentors work in small cooperative groups of 2-3 students for two-hour sessions 2 days a week following a four part lesson plan, designed in conjunction with Prince George’s County School personnel and the University’s Center for Mathematics Education faculty. Sessions consist of basic facts practice activities, homework help, hands-on group activities and long-term projects.
- The goals of the program include:
- Improve basic mathematics skills.
- Improve strategies for problem solving and critical thinking.
- Enhance strategies for taking mathematics assessments.
- Make mathematical connections to real world events and activities.
- Help students develop a positive attitude for mathematics.
When?
- Math Mentors are assigned mentees for an entire semester. Mentors then meet with mentees after-school, for two hours a day, twice each week. Mentors need to be available from 2 - 5pm at least 2 days a week between Monday - Thursday. For assistance in scheduling classes around America Counts, please contact our office at 301-314-READ.
Where?
- Math Mentors work at 6 Prince George’s County elementary schools: Adelphi, Bladensburg, Langley Park, Mt. Rainier, Calverton, and Springhill Lake*. These schools were selected based on their proximity to the University of Maryland and their high need of math assistance.
Why?
- Studies show that, even though students perform at or above grade level by the end of fourth grade, by the time U.S. students reach the middle grades they are performing lower in mathematics concepts then the international average. This leads to less preparation for college and future careers in a competitive market.
- In response to current conditions, President Clinton in 1997 issued a Presidential Directive to the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to work together to develop strategies for using Federal resources to support tutoring programs that would enhance mathematics achievement. America Counts was created out of this joint effort.
0144 Holzapfel Hall | College Park, MD 20742 | Phone: 301-314-READ | Fax: 301-314-7365 | arac@umd.edu
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