Numeracy

The Importance of Numeracy

Numeracy complements literacy and is sometimes called ‘mathematical literacy’. Both skills are needed in order to function fully in modern life. Being numerate means being able to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts and to apply these in a range of contexts and to solve a variety of problems.

One of the biggest cross-national tests is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which every three years measures reading ability, math and science literacy and other key skills among 15-year-olds in dozens of developed and developing countries. The most recent PISA results, from 2015, placed the U.S. an unimpressive 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science. Among the 35 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which sponsors the PISA initiative, the U.S. ranked 30th in math and 19th in science (source: Pew Research)

How is STEMulates tackling this challenge?

Algebra has been universally accepted as a gateway skill. It is a bridge to high-level math course: Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus and Calculus.  Students who take an Algebra course by the 8th grade are more likely to pursue careers in Engineering and other STEM fields. Students who take Algebra by the 8th grade will be able to take a Calculus course while in high school. Students who are exposed to Calculus in High School generally are more successful in their first-year mathematics courses in college.

We feature programs to improve math aptitude for children and adults of all ages.

The Numeracy Hour

Our numeracy hour program begins with students in the 3rd grade and continues each year until the 7th grade where the students are exposed to Algebra. The students are tracked by cohort with test scores measured against their classmates. Students in STEMulating Saturdays are automatically enrolled in numeracy hour program.