In March, the Citrus College pre-algebra, algebra and geometry enrichment program faced cancellation due to the lockdown. Marianne Smith, director of the program, decided to keep it going and transition to remote learning.
“Despite concerns about remote learning, we saw the same kinds of gains that we always see,” Smith said.
“We were really pleased and had terrific attendance. Students made friends in the program and overall it was a highly successful summer.”
The PAGE program began in 2011 offering fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth-graders the opportunity to enrich and grow confidence in mathematics. Program attendance ranges from 100-120 students.
The PAGE program served students from 13 districts this year, as well as students from some local private and charter schools. Though the program serves these institutions, it is not a program that is required but promoted. It is up to the parents to fill out the application for the student.
“Math major students at Citrus that are considering teaching are put in place as tutors in these classrooms in order to help them clarify if helping young people learn is something they really have a passion for,” Smith said. “These students get to be in the classroom, support the teacher, (learn) how to keep control of a class and what kind of pedagogy one might use.”
Training for parents and teachers with the new online platform was provided. Pre- and post-assessments were run on students to record their progress.
There are no grades and no credit for this program.
“It’s just about relaxing and learning math,” Smith said.
