The “Universal Language” of Numbers
Conveying academic content to English as Second Language (ESL) students is not always easy. However, mathematics is a “universal language,” and can be a way for ESL students to communicate and begin to lower language barriers. While the First In Math® Online Program focuses primarily on basic skill aquisition, its competition component can increase interaction among these students, indirectly increasing comprehension in all areas. In addition, the recognition component stimulates students’ desire to excel in math and other subjects.
One example of FIM's success in this area is Richmond Academics Plus School in Philadelphia. Fifth grader Renajd Rrapi and his ESL classroom were both ranked 2nd in the nation in the First In Math Online Program in December of 2004, competing against more than 100,000 students in 25 states. Rrapi, an Albanian immigrant, had classmates from Albania, Poland, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Many of these students did not speak any English when they arrived at Richmond. Their achievement proves that First In Math is a useful curriculum supplement in a diverse student population.
Since the pilot program in 2003, First In Math has become a standard math supplement in many of the School District of Philadelphia’s elementary and middle schools, where it continues to boost performance on Pennsylvania State System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests.
