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MATHCOUNTS
MATHCOUNTS is a
national math coaching and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state and
territory.
MATHCOUNTS is one of
the country's largest and most successful education partnerships involving
volunteers, educators, industry sponsors and students. Presidents Bush, Reagan
and Clinton have all recognized MATHCOUNTS in Oval Office ceremonies, and the
program has received two White House citations as an outstanding private sector
initiative.
Select one of the following areas for more information:
How MATHCOUNTS Works
Why Participate in MATHCOUNTS
Why
MATHCOUNTS Works
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How
MATHCOUNTS Works
MATHCOUNTS
promotes student interest in mathematics by making math achievement as
challenging, exciting and prestigious as a school sport. At the beginning of
each school year, the MATHCOUNTS Foundation provides a complimentary copy of its
School Handbook and other materials to middle schools across the country.
Teachers and volunteers use these materials to coach student "mathletes,"
as part of in-class instruction or as an extracurricular activity.
After
several months of coaching, participating schools select students to compete
individually or as part of a team in written and oral competitions. Students
first compete in one of more than 500 local competitions held in February.
Winners progress to state contests in March. There, the top four individuals and
the coach of the top team earn an all-expense-paid trip to represent their state
at the national finals in May. At all levels, mathletes gain self-confidence and
math skills, as well as win prizes and scholarships.
In
addition to school coaching, partnering companies often host local MATHCOUNTS
activities, such as workshops for teachers, minority outreach programs and
public outreach events to encourage participation and promote the importance of
mathematics.
MATHCOUNTS
has an active alumni
program to encourage past participants to continue their interest in
mathematics and their involvement in the program. Former mathletes go on to
coach school teams, help review program materials, volunteer at competitions and
serve as role models for current mathletes. Recent surveys of past state
competitors have indicated that the program helps prepare students for rewarding
careers. The top three majors were engineering, mathematics and computer
science. The top three occupations were in the computer industry, engineering
and teaching.
Why Participate in MATHCOUNTS
Each
year, more than 500,000 students participate in MATHCOUNTS at the school level.
Those who do tell us that their experience as a mathlete is often one of the
most memorable and fun experiences of their middle school years. MATHCOUNTS
provides students with the following benefits:
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A challenging and fun activity that
helps them in their math classes.
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A chance to share common interests
with new and often long-lasting friends.
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An opportunity to meet students from
other schools.
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The experience of developing
teamwork skills.
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A chance to vie for scholarships and
prizes.
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A sense of accomplishment that comes
from setting and achieving goals.
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An opportunity to explore
mathematics and mathematics-related careers.
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A chance to explore cool mathematics
that isn't always taught in middle school classrooms.
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MATHCOUNTS motivates and rewards
students by fostering teamwork and competitive spirit.
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MATHCOUNTS is more than a
competition. It involves students and teachers in year-long coaching
sessions and helps students at all levels improve their problem-solving
skills.
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MATHCOUNTS builds math skills,
promotes logical thinking and sharpens students' analytical abilities.
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MATHCOUNTS gives America's middle
school math teachers incentive to excel in the classroom and provides
creative, state-of-the-art curriculum materials.
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MATHCOUNTS introduces students to
math-related careers through contacts with engineers and other professionals
who serve as volunteers.
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MATHCOUNTS is educator-driven.
Materials and activities are structured to meet student needs identified by
educators. They are written each year by members of the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics, in accordance with NCTM curriculum standards.
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More than 17,000 volunteers
(teachers, engineers, other professionals, parents and alumni) participate
annually to coach students and conduct competitions.
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Since the program began in 1983,
over five million students have participated.
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Over 6,500 schools participate in
competitions annually from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S.
territories and State Department and Department of Defense schools
worldwide.
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Each year, over 500,000 students
participate in MATHCOUNTS activities at their schools.
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Corporations and individuals donate
$1.5 million annually to the national program and over $500,000 to local and
state programs.
For a listing of
MATHCOUNTS Events in Kansas click here. |
