Accelerating Math Skills: ASU Prep’s Math Momentum Program

« Back  |  November 20, 2023 - ASU Prep Academy

ASU Prep’s Math Momentum program, a testament to the power of innovative, personalized education, seeks to bolster math education by equipping educators with a diverse set of strategies and teaching models. The initiative, now in its third successful year, supports schools across Arizona, particularly those in rural locations and tribal lands, where access to technology and qualified staff may be lacking.

“Math has always been an area of opportunity in the state,” says ASU Prep Digital Principal Brian Austin. The program, a collaborative effort between ASU Prep and the Arizona Department of Education, rises to the challenge of addressing the pressing need for improved math performance and teacher support in grades five through nine across Arizona.

Unique, Data-Driven Approach

“Everyone can do math at the highest levels,” asserts Austin, and Math Momentum is making the opportunity accessible and possible.

To implement Math Momentum, program leaders analyze student performance data, gather teacher feedback, and review existing curricula. Based on these findings, they design the best model to address gaps using the latest research in math education and evidence-based pedagogy.

As a result, Math Momentum is able to offer bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each participating school. From fully virtual to hybrid program options, the educational experience can be customized to each school’s unique needs. In cases of math staffing gaps, a highly qualified ASU Prep Digital math teacher may lead instruction with the support of onsite facilitators. For schools with strong math teachers aiming to boost student performance, the ASU Prep Digital math teacher is available for team-teaching, working with small groups on more individualized instruction.

Through the program, teachers also have access to the Math Institute, which provides professional development and training opportunities for teachers and staff. This includes workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions to ensure educators are well-equipped to effectively deliver the program and support student learning. Mr. Austin is optimistic about the future impact of the program, stating, “We’re breaking new ground and opening up new territory for them to reach their students in a different capacity. That practice will continue impacting their future students in the coming years.”

ASU Prep Digital Learning Success Coaches play a pivotal role in the success of Math Momentum, managing partnerships and supporting students. Coaches provide instruction and resources for cultivating critical math mindsets that foster essential life skills such as problem-solving, persistence, resilience, and collaboration.

Measuring the Impact

The success of the Math Momentum program is measured by both quantitative and qualitative data to assess program effectiveness and impact on student learning.

By year two of the statewide Math Momentum program, every grade level exceeded Exact Path beginning-year to end-year growth goals. The Exact Path Diagnostic revealed that for students who remained in the program for the school year, 88% of students in rural settings maintained or grew their overall math proficiency level, while 93% of students in urban settings maintained or grew their overall math proficiency level.

The Math Momentum program also had a positive impact on teachers. Many onsite teachers expressed satisfaction with their personal development as math educators or facilitators. “The response has been incredible,” says Mr. Austin. “We have many partnerships where those teachers find that Math Momentum is crucial to their instruction now. We’ve had schools that have asked us to expand to their entire math team. And that’s because they’ve seen the results.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Momentum

The mission continues to grow, with the goal of extending the Math Momentum opportunity to more schools throughout Arizona and beyond, promoting math excellence and preparing students for college and career success.

“What’s great about Math Momentum is it’s happening directly in the classroom. This isn’t only for those students who have access to transportation or access to technology at home. This is for everyone. I hope to continue serving our Arizona students with Math Momentum,” shares Mr. Austin.

Learn more about Math Momentum and how the program is improving math mindsets and boosting math and digital literacy skills across Arizona.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week at ASU Prep

« Back  |  June 1, 2023 - ASU Prep Digital

Thank you to all our hard-working ASU Prep Academy staff and teachers who most definitely deserve extra credit. We recently celebrated these remarkable educators during Teacher Appreciation Week with a little extra recognition and gratitude. 

The school year is quickly coming to an end, so what’s a guaranteed way to make our teachers and staff feel valued while also motivating them to keep up their school spirit? Apparently, it’s food! Together with the ASU Prep Academy network, our wonderful Parent Teacher Organization, local businesses and supportive families across all campuses, we were able to treat our teachers to a special week of goodies. 

Treating Teachers Across All ASU Prep Campuses

Across the network of ASU Prep Academy schools, teachers received gift cards to the ASU Prep store, inspirational videos and messages, as well as a hosted lunch from Honeybaked Ham or Elias the Foodie food truck.

ASU Prep Digital
Because ASU Prep Digital is primarily online, their staff received virtual recognition throughout the week, from special messages from their principals to motivational videos sent from the ASU Prep Digital administration team. 

ASU Prep Phoenix
The Phoenix campus was shown a lot of support (and food!) from the surrounding community with donations from Einstein Bros., Stern Produce, Sugar & Lace Bakery, Potbelly, Frios Gourmet Pops and a delicious charcuterie board assembled by a talented parent.

ASU Prep Polytechnic
The ASU Prep Polytechnic K–6 program was treated to a literary-themed week that included several favorites: books, puns, food, and an opportunity for student involvement. A standout day from the weeklong festivities highlighted the book Dragons Love Tacos with the slogan “Taco ‘bout our nacho average teachers & staff” with a lunchtime taco and nacho bar. Students were also encouraged to bring their teacher a dragon-fire red gift, which brought lots of creativity and smiles. 

ASU Prep South Phoenix 
The South Phoenix high school program told their staff “mahalo” with a Hawaiian-themed week of “tiki-riffic” treats including an ice cream bar, afternoon slushie break, and BBQ lunch from Ono. The elementary program hosted Hollywood week, pampering their staff like celebrities with movie-style popcorn, personalized gifts, a swag bag of surprises, and lunch catered by Federico’s. 

ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest
At ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, each day brought a new treat, like Wake Up Monday (a coffee theme), Toolbox Tuesday (a call for students to bring in school supplies), and Thankful Thursday (thoughtful notes written to teachers and a morning cheer session to start the day). 

ASU Prep Casa Grande
ASU Prep Casa Grande kept their staff happy with food throughout the week, including breakfast, a PTO-sponsored lunch and a midweek treat of delicious cookies donated by Cook-E-Jar.

Thank Our Teachers Anytime

No need to wait until May’s Teacher Appreciation festivities to make teachers feel special. Treat staff all school year long with a snack or school supply bundle. If you know a teacher has a school night event or a pile of essays to grade, help them power through with a $5 gift card to grab a coffee. Remember, a thoughtful email or handwritten note from a guardian or student is easy, free and always makes a major impact. 

Forbes names ASU one of Best Large Employers in US

« Back  |  February 22, 2023 - ASU Prep Digital

Originally published on ASUNews

February 15, 2023

On Feb. 15, Forbes listed Arizona State University as one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2023.

In partnership with Statista, a global provider of rankings and large-scale polling, Forbes surveyed approximately 45,000 U.S. employees at companies with more than 1,000 workers.

Five hundred U.S. employers across 25 industry sectors were recognized and evaluated based on respondents’ willingness to recommend their employer to friends and family.

Michael G. Latsko, ASU’s vice president and chief human resources officer, said the Best Large Employer title reinforces ASU’s reputation as a company that provides excellent employment opportunities on a national level.

“This honor, especially because it results from employee feedback, is a meaningful testament to ASU’s position as a national destination for top talent,” Latsko said.

“At ASU, we are focused on nurturing our unique, inclusive culture of belonging where employees feel valued, can thrive in their careers and support genuine societal impact. Our culture and people make ASU one of the best places to work in higher education and the country.”

ASU was also named one of America’s Best Employers By State for 2022 by Forbes in August.

Forbes and Statista collected direct recommendations from employees as well as indirect recommendations from workers in the industry. Since the employee experience can vary greatly depending on an organization’s size and the individual worker, the final list ranks the 500 large employers that received the most recommendations. Beginning in 2015 with America’s Best Employers, Forbes and Statista have since expanded the coverage to include those employers considered best for diversity, women and new graduates.