Enterprise Math

EnterpriseMath, a supplemental curriculum targeting students in grades 6-8, was developed to make the connections between math, economics and personal finance. Teachers are provided lessons and strategies that help them tap into students' interests. What middle schooler isn't interested in money, credit and budgets and opportunities to learn about spending, saving and investing? Teaching math through these vehicles, EnterpriseMath engages and motivates students.

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel was commissioned by President Bush in 2006 with the responsibilities of relying upon the "best available scientific evidence" and recommending ways "...to foster greater knowledge of and improved performance in mathematics among American students." The 2008 Final Report states that the sharp falloff in mathematics achievement in the US begins as students reach late middle school, where for more and more students, algebra course work begins. According to the report, problems in mathematics learning in the US increase in late middle school. It suggests that greater attention be focused on ways in which negative attitudes toward mathematics develop and how to overcome student's lack of motivation.

EnterpriseMath (EM) was developed to change student's negative attitudes and motivate them to want to learn math. Its focus is to make math more engaging for students in grades 6-8 by using topics that are of interest to them. When students see relevance and an application to their lives within the math lesson, they are increasingly motivated to pay attention. Time on task and learning increases while the engagement level of the entire class increases. As interest levels rise, so do positive attitudes toward math. The goal of the program is to have a positive effect on both student attitudes toward mathematics and achievement scores on standardized tests.

EM utilizes supplemental math lessons to enhance middle school math content by providing practical application of curriculum to the real-world through economics and personal finance examples. The lessons help mathematics teachers answer the proverbial question asked by students:

• "Why do I have to learn this?"
• "Am I ever going to use it?"

Lesson topics that center around the themes of economics and personal finance taught at an early age will help students make sound financial decisions in the future. When we can get students engaged in their mathematics classroom we are building in them a strong math foundation necessary for 21 Century Skills.

EM lessons are aligned with Ohio Academic Standards and specific grade level math indicators. The lessons can be an addition to lessons the teacher is already using, or they can stand alone.