Remarkable Math Improvements in Just Six Weeks
Our most recent West Angeles 2025 CSU Summer Algebra Institute (SAI) program has produced amazing results that raise important questions about how we teach mathematics to students. Our six-week intensive program served 52 students across five different math levels, with 38 students showing measurable improvement.
Using EdReady diagnostic assessments at the beginning and end of the program, the results were notable…
Foundational Math: 6 students improved, with 4 achieving over 20% improvement
Algebra Readiness: 11 students improved, with 7 exceeding 20% improvement
Geometry Readiness: 7 students improved, with 6 showing over 20% gains
Advanced Algebra and Pre-Calculus: Similar patterns of significant improvement
Several students in each category achieved maximum scores and advanced to the next level entirely.
Our Program Combined Multiple Instructional Methods:
Traditional classroom teaching with direct instruction
Computer-based diagnostic work and practice
Applied math exercises connecting concepts to real life
Logic-based games and activities
Consistent drill work on fundamental skills
Notably, the program emphasized traditional math instruction focused on core concepts and procedures, alongside engaging applications.
What This Reveals About Education
The results raise uncomfortable questions about conventional math education. If a six-week summer program with non-credentialed teachers can produce such measurable improvements, what does this suggest about year-long classroom instruction?
The contrast is particularly striking given current educational trends toward "equity-based grading" and alternative pedagogical approaches. The summer program's success suggests that direct instruction, practice, and attention to foundational skills remain highly effective.
Several elements likely contributed to the program's effectiveness:
Small class sizes allowing for individual attention
Consistent attendance requirements (12 students with poor attendance showed no improvement)
Caring, dedicated instruction from staff invested in student success
Balanced approach combining traditional teaching with engaging activities
Clear expectations and regular assessment
These results highlight the potential of community-based educational programs to supplement formal schooling. When students receive focused attention, consistent instruction, and support in a caring environment, significant learning gains are possible in relatively short timeframes.
The success also underscores the importance of fundamental math skills and traditional teaching methods, even as educational approaches continue to evolve.
Programs like this demonstrate what's possible when educational approaches focus on proven instructional methods, maintain high expectations, and provide students with the support they need to succeed. The question isn't whether students can learn mathematics effectively—clearly they can. The question is how we can replicate these conditions more broadly.
Want to increase your Math skills? Let’s connect.