SAN DIEGO, CA—What does it mean to be First? Webster’s defines it as, “Foremost, coming before all others.” So what does it mean to be First In Math?
For an individual, it may be proficiency at a particular level. For a classroom, perhaps it is every student striving to be their best, for a school, it indicates that math has become an important part of the learning culture. At St. Didacus, that culture has spread outside the classroom, with more and more students playing at home.
Since St. Didacus introduced the First In Math program in 2008, they have consistently ranked in top 10 in California, holding the #1 rank every year since 2011. They also ranked #3 nationally in 2013 and #9 2014. More than 5,000 schools and 1.5 million students participated in last year’s competition and St. Didacus students solved an average of three million math problems each year to secure their top ranking.
Suntex San Diego area FIM representative Jill Henderson says she anticipates another high-ranking year for St. Didacus, who for the last four years has been the school to beat. “When training staff at other San Diego schools, I am often asked ‘what is the secret to St. Didacus’ success’ in the First In Math program. I believe that consistency, perseverance and staff support are important, along with a big emphasis on student and staff recognition—that’s what keeps students totally engaged and energized.”
First In Math employs a learning technique know as Deep Practice. Through deep practice, skills that normally take months of regular practice can be mastered in a much shorter period of time—regardless of the learner’s skill level. Students who need remedial work have the opportunity to improve, while those who are advanced can work ahead and challenge themselves.
“This unique learning platform gives every child the advantage he or she needs to be their own personal best,” says Henderson. “When you add up all these firsts, you definitely have a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”