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Math boot camp raises the bar

After a successful inaugural program last year, Algebra Boot Camp returns to Sonoma High this summer. The program was developed to help support eighth graders transition into high school algebra. As recommended by the California State Department of Education, Sonoma High no longer offers pre-algebra classes and every entering freshman is expected to take algebra I, geometry or algebra II.

Algebra can open the doors to higher level math and science and is the foundational math for so many careers and fields of study. Sonoma Valley This summer’s Algebra Boot Camp will meet two hours a day, from Thursday, June 7 through Friday, June 29, with a culminating trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for students with perfect attendance and exceptional work ethic. Students will be taught by credentialed algebra teachers in a supportive, engaging environment.

During the three weeks, students will be introduced to the College Preparatory Mathematic texts (CPM for short) that they will use their freshman year, as well as to a variety of tools and strategies that will ensure they are successful in Algebra from the first day of class. Students will get a headstart on their peers as the first three chapters of the algebra textbook will be covered in detail. Students will also get to meet the freshman algebra teachers, take a tour of the campus, and get acquainted with Sonoma High prior to starting school.

For the 40 students who took Algebra Boot Camp last year, teachers reported higher benchmark scores and higher grades in general. Those students had little to no discipline issues, attended school at a higher rate and reported feeling more prepared and confident during the year.

Terrific feedback has been received from parents of students who participated last summer. One parent said, “I have noticed more confidence in my daughter’s attitude towards math.” Another said, “Thank you so much for offering this course. My son just didn’t get it in middle school because it went so fast in class.”

Applications are due back to the front office of either Adele Harrison or Altimra by Friday, May 4. Space is limited to the first 50 students who apply and are accepted.  For more information email me at aryan@sonomavly.k12.ca.us.

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Andrew Ryan is vice principal at Sonoma Valley High School.