Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) today announced year-long pilot programs of its Singapore Math, Bar Models App for iPad® in school districts in New Jersey and Kentucky. Three hundred app downloads of each level (grades two through five) will be made available to students at Fayette County Public Schools around Lexington, Ky. and the Edison Township School District in Edison, N.J. The pilot programs will run from January 2012 until May 2012, then will resume from August through December.
Pilots comprise students across four schools in Fayette County and two in Edison. Learners in each grade level will have access to the app at least two to three times per week as part of their regularly-scheduled math period. Teachers and students will take surveys throughout each semester to gain insight on their experiences, while testimonials of all parties, including parents, will be recorded once the pilots have finished.
“As a district that has seen first-hand the benefits of Math in Focus: Singapore Math, we are excited for our students to begin working with this app,” said Dr. Richard O’Malley, Superintendent, Edison Township School District. “Our schools must be ready to prepare 21st century students using 21st century tools. These programs are excellent ways to engage them in fun, challenging new ways.”
Announced earlier this month, Singapore Math, Bar Models is closely aligned with HMH’s Math in Focus®: Singapore Math by Marshall Cavendish curriculum; the comprehensive Singapore Math, Bar Models App for iPad is geared toward students in grades two through five and features the signature Singapore Math method for problem solving.
“Math in Focus is a program aimed at teaching mastery of the subject matter, rather than simply perfecting a student’s test-taking skills,” said Bethlam Forsa, EVP of Global Content and Product Development for HMH. "The Bar Models app is an excellent complement to the curriculum, producing well-rounded students while providing parents an effective way to reinforce classroom training at home.”
