Mindset Math
Mindset math camp has been implemented in school districts in the United States since 2015, serving thousands of diverse elementary, middle, and high school students, including students with English as a second language, students with Individual Education Plans, and students with mathematical proficiency levels lower than 25%. Overall, students that attended math camp showed mathematical growth throughout camp, as well as improvements in their math classes throughout the school year. Together with mathematical growth, students also improved their attitudes towards learning math, showed a decrease in anxiety towards math problems, and came away with a better understanding of brain science and growth mindset.
MINDSET MATH: ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE + HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The four-hour day for students begins with a “Fresh Start” which is designed for community and team building, along with helping students approach the day with a mindful focus and the right frame of mind as they begin learning new math strategies. Mindfulness activities are practiced daily. Weekly, time is set aside for extended mindfulness lessons focusing on stress reduction, PBIS and the effects of self-esteem mindset shifts.
MATH CAMP STUDENTS START THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF AHEAD OF THEIR PEERS
When looking at summer learning loss, students who attended Mindset Math Camp showed 9-12% GAINS in math knowledge over the summer, compared to those who did not attend math camp that showed a 12-14% loss over the summer.
MATH CAMP STUDENTS PERFORM BETTER DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
On average, students who attended math camp were twice as likely to increase their math grades following math camp. Students who showed the most growth were students who had D’s or F’s in their math classes before math camp.
64% of math camp participants earn a C or better in their math classes compared to only 22% of peers who did not attend.
Average Growth Breakdown by Subgroups
16%
Average Gain for Female Students
12%
Average Gain for Male Students
11%
Average Gain for Students with IEPs
9.1%
Average Gain for ELL Students
What Students Are Saying
I used to hold my breath every day I walked into middle school, cause I was so nervous, but not here. It’s comfortable here cause I don’t get lost in a big classroom and the teachers care what I think.
At first I didn’t like math, I hated it, until math camp. It gave me a new perspective on math. (student in agreement with first student) 'I mean, same thing here, I finally realized how good I was at math. I realized I was good I just didn’t try hard enough.'
The mindfulness was really interesting. (students are saying yes in agreement around the table) You get to learn more about like you body and stuff and how it works.
Ya, I think it’s (mindfulness) good for freshmen to have a way, like because we are entering a big life.
I like the Mindfulness Fridays. The breathing exercises like...really help you calm down.
Students also commented about how Math Camp was 'cool because problems weren’t boring' and 'it wasn’t always about the right answer, sometimes, they just wanted to know what I was thinking.'
When you walk into school the first day you won't be as scared as the other freshmen.
