BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — Fifty West Virginia schools are needed for a four-year study focused on a new digital math curriculum for elementary schools from a nonprofit organization called Reasoning Mind.
Scott Darling, Reasoning Mind enrollment specialist, said the curriculum, which uses technology to increase student engagement and give students and teachers instant feedback, is already being used in schools in Cabell County and Marion County with success.
“We’re in West Virginia because the state, as a whole, has put a huge focus on digital learning programs and integrating technology in the classroom, so we’re really excited to work with a state that puts an emphasis on finding innovative approaches,” said Darling.
The results of the study, he said, could lead to the math curriculum to be applied statewide. The National Assessment of Education Program recently ranked West Virginia’s fourth graders 42nd in the country for math.
“In a normal classroom, you have a textbook that the teacher stands up and presents the material to the class. You have one presentation, one style of learning and the students either get it or they don’t, based on their abilities,” explained Darling.
“With Reasoning Mind, it’s individualized. Each student has their own learning path that gets them through at the level they need.”
Enrollment for the study is available at http://mathimpact.net/.
Darling was a guest on Wednesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”