Studying for Ohio’s statewide math-proficiency test was all a game for 4th graders at the Robert H. Jamison CompuTech Center, a K-12 magnet school in Cleveland.
The 680-student school created its own quiz show, “What’s Your Math Problem?” to help students prepare for the test, which was to be given late last week. The show has been taped weekly since early last month and shown to 4th graders on the school’s closed-circuit television system.
Principal Frank DeTardo said the show seemed to be better training for the test than the traditional “drill and practice” routine. “We’re hooking on to the notion that these days kids are raised on television, so there’s an automatic appeal,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of bells and whistles and a little background music.”
During the show, students spin a wheel to select a question category. Then two teams of three students each work on the question. The players win prizes in the form of gift certificates for the school store.
The show was such a hit that the school plans to continue weekly production even after students take the proficiency test. Mr. DeTardo said he hopes to get some nearby schools to participate and possibly get the game show televised through a local station.
--Jeanne Ponessa
