WEST CHESTER, PA — Laurel Springs School announced the recent launch of a math readiness summer program offering Pre-Algebra Readiness and Algebra Readiness courses to support students’ mastery of fundamental mathematics concepts. The courses help prepare students struggling with math due to learning loss before entering pre-algebra or Algebra 1 in the fall. They also introduce potential new students to the Laurel Springs mastery-based education approach.
“Readiness offerings are more than a solution for students to build confidence in their math skills. They are also an introduction to mastery-based learning for many students,” said Leigh Tillman, dean of curriculum and instruction at Laurel Springs School. “Our approach to education sets students up for success in academics and life skills beyond the classroom, allowing students to take responsibility for their education and learn time management skills afforded by a self-paced, mastery-based instructional model.”
The courses are pass/fail, non-credit bearing. Students do not need to be enrolled full-time in Laurel Springs to participate, and the cost is $500 per course in addition to a summer registration fee. The courses are available now for enrollment, visit laurelsprings.com or contact the admissions team at 866-890-6429.
As school systems continue to adjust to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have struggled with the policy-mandated transitions from in-person to online instruction. According to the Curriculum Associates i-Ready in-school assessment,* the percentage of students on grade-level in mathematics is lower in nearly all grades than seen before the pandemic. As many as 50 percent of eighth-grade students are testing below their expected grade level.
“Our goal is to provide the best educational experience for every student,” Tillman said. “We continually evaluate our curriculum to ensure we’re developing our program by adapting to new technology, trends in education, and standards alignment to provide for the needs of Laurel Springs students.”
The Pre-Algebra Readiness and Algebra Readiness courses review critical topics students need to master for success moving forward. The course includes video instruction, interactive activities, and practice problems all designed to support students in strengthening their mathematical skills.
As the world moves further into the future of remote learning, Laurel Springs isn’t what you’d traditionally expect from online learning. Since its inception in 1991, Laurel Springs’ mission has been to engage global learners in an education that values them as individuals, integrates their passions and pursuits into academic and career pathways, and fosters inquiry, growth, mastery, purpose, and independence.
*Curriculum Associates. (2021, November). Understanding Student Learning [research brief]. Retrieved from https://www.curriculumassociates.com/-/media/mainsite/files/i-ready/iready-understanding-student-learning-paper-fall-results-2021.pdf
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