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The Philosophy of the Math-Power Program
The Math-Power program has been created in answer to a long-standing and serious need in the United States. It is the belief of the Math-Power staff that every child has the potential to succeed in mathematics. Any person who has trained for a marathon, or mastered a musical instrument understands the value of daily study in a real and personal way. There is a delicate balance that must be maintained between comfort and drive. This balance point is different for each child. That balance point is also different for any child at different times during their development. Math-Power strives to maintain that delicate balance for each student. Developmental appropriateness will be observed because the system allows variety in its pace. The program is not based on a student’s age or grade level. The only important factor for each student is his or her mathematical competence. That competence may be very far from what is expected of their peers. But that competence is the only meaningful criteria for that individual. Math-Power acknowledges that all learners will be able to go as far as their potential allows. The speed at which a child completes the steps of the Math-Power program is irrelevant when considering the learning taking place along the way. Struggling students will have endless opportunities for review and practice. They will experience the joy of mastery before they must engage in the conquest of a new concept. Each day will reinforce their confidence through success. Some days they will experience joy from reaching a new height. Gifted and highly motivated students will have the opportunity for advanced learning. No longer will they be confined to the pace of their peers. The mix of structured and open-ended opportunities will be matched to the needs and abilities of the individual. |