The Data Speaks! Discover the Benefits of Math Lab 

Have you heard about Math Lab? This fantastic program, thanks to the dedication of Mountain View School’s (MVS) Instructional Coach Margaret Betts, is revolutionizing how students experience mathematics. Math Lab focuses on enhancing critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and fostering positive associations with math. With the support of the Easthampton Learning Foundation, this impactful program was expanded last year to include students from grades 2-5 and served nearly 250 students at MVS, with The Community Classroom joining as a teacher partner.

But what makes Math Lab so effective? We gave the participating students a pre and post-test last year to collect data on the impact of the program. Let’s take a closer look at the results!

Positive Attitudes Towards Math

Math Lab has shown an incredible impact on Mountain View School students’ attitudes toward math. According to pre-and post-test data, students are not only developing their skills but also gaining confidence:

• Feeling Good at Math: Pre-test results revealed that 44% of students felt positive about their math skills. After completing Math Lab, this number rose to 49.2%! This increase in confidence shows that Math Lab is more than just a class—it’s a space for students to truly believe in their abilities.
• Positive Qualities as a Math Learner: Pre-test data showed that 42.2% of students believed they had good qualities as math learners, which increased to 53.2% post-test. That’s an 11% boost in self-perception, illustrating that Math Lab is helping students recognize their strengths.
• Positive Attitudes: Before the program, 64.8% of students had a positive attitude about their math learning. After participating in Math Lab, 71.4% maintained or improved this positive outlook, while a notable increase in those feeling neutral was observed, signaling that more students are thinking critically about their growth as learners.

Math Confidence and Enjoyment

• Confidence in Math Ability: In the pre-test, 66.7% of students felt confident in their math abilities. After completing Math Lab, this number jumped to an impressive 82.6%, highlighting how the program fosters a supportive learning environment where students can grow their confidence.
• Enjoyment of Math: For some students, enjoying math can be a challenge. Initially, only 36.9% of students expressed that they enjoyed math. By the end of the program, this number increased to 50.7%, reflecting the positive change in math enjoyment. Importantly, 15% of students felt math was not enjoyable during the pre-test in October, and this number decreased to only 6% by the post-test at the end of the 2024 school year.

The Future of Mountain View School Math Lab

Math Lab is not just about solving equations; it’s about creating a foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and a positive mindset toward challenges. As more students engage with the program, they’ll continue to develop the critical thinking skills and confidence needed to succeed, not just in math, but in all areas of life. And thanks to a second grand from the Easthampton Learning Foundation and the vision of Margaret Betts, Math Lab is taking the valuable lessons learned and charging towards more impact and math joy in the 2024-2025 school year. Much love to this past year’s Math Lab facilitators from The Community Classroom, Martha Harrington and Terri herrNeckar. 

Would your child love Math Lab? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s celebrate this exciting initiative together and support our students as they build a brighter future, one equation at a time.

For more information on how to get involved or support Math Lab, contact The Community Classroom or visit the Easthampton Learning Foundation’s website.