Math Masters: 
A “Back to Basics” Mathematical Approach

Students in Grades 3-5 participate in the Hopkins Hill Math Masters Program.  The program focuses on a “back to basics” approach to learning mathematics by mastering each of the four mathematical operations.  Each week students are presented problems in one of the four operations.  Students must successfully complete selected problems (100) with 100% accuracy in a six minute time limit. Students begin each year with addition and then move to subtraction, multiplication and division problems.  At each level of mastery, the student receives a certificate of merit given at an awards celebration held in the school gymnasium each month.  When a student successfully masters all four operations, that student will receive a medal given at the monthly celebration.  The hard work continues because the student then moves into the secondary phase of the program; application of the four operations.  Students must complete selected problems in each area to include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  If a student masters the application phase of the program, they receive a second medal making them an Honorary Math Masters Mentor. Students will receive a certificate of merit for this distinguished achievement.  Students have the opportunity to tutor and mentor their peers throughout the building in mathematics.

There are varied copies of problems in each of the basic operations and application portion of the program.  The reasoning for the copies is so students are not given the same series of problems the following week in the event they are not successful in completion.  This will prevent students from memorizing selected problems especially in the application phase where there are less problems to master.

All Math Master Certificates are signed by the classroom teacher and the school principal.  All certificates needed for the celebration should be requested by the Friday prior to the celebration.  Each operation is on a special color for easy access.

Invitations for the ceremony should also go out to parents and guardians by the Friday before to accommodate varying schedules.

Original copies are kept in a folder, but should only be used for copying.

Coventry has adopted the program through the efforts of the Hopkins Hill FES Team and FES (Foundations for Excellent Schools).  Program established from South Burlington, Vermont and obtained at a national conference.

New forms of the different stages were updated and distributed to all Coventry elementary schools to be utilized beginning in the 2009-2010 school-year.

*New certificates were created to include Honorary Math Master Mentor.

** District plans to extend program to include other mathematical concepts.