Maryland Districts Implement Math Learning Enhancement Software for Grades K-3
Two county school districts in Maryland have implemented DreamBox Learning K-3 Math to improve math competency in thousands of students in kindergarten through grade 3.
Carroll County School District (CCSD) of Westminster, MD and Howard County School District of Ellicott City, MD have both reported extensive usage of the software, owing to its broad range of tools and content. Schools have used the curricular material and additional features, including exercises and activities, for students at, above, and below grade level, and for reinforcing core curriculum, pull-out intervention, integration into math lab, and as supplemental teaching tool for after-school and summer programs.
The math software presents its content as a series of games featuring simple graphics and sounds, giving young players the option of using pictorial representations to help them understand the concepts being demonstrated and the correct answer to each problem the program asks them to solve. An animated character also guides players through the various games, explaining in simple language how to play each one, and helping them understand how to approach each problem, both numerically and visually, to arrive at the correct answer.
"[The software] provides an ideal connection to our curriculum by reinforcing what the students are learning in the classroom," said Donn Hicks, CCSD supervisor of elementary education. "Some of our high-performing students are using the program to further strengthen their number sense comprehension while others, who may be below grade level, have benefited from spending an extra 15 to 20 minutes working on foundational basics. For both sets of students, the blend of classroom instruction and DreamBox Math has been a big win."
The software also features a special dashboard designed to allow parents easy access to follow their child's progress in learning elementary math concepts and problem-solving.
The DreamBox Web site offers a video overview for teachers and parents, as well as downloadable information for parents and registration for a 30-day free trial. Pricing information is available here.
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