Session 071 PD - Math Tutoring Program - Individualized Tutoring Can Improve Academic Outcomes for Disadvantaged Students Moderator: Jason Leppin, CFRE Presenters: Patrick Dodds Joseph Finch, ASA Barry Jacobson, FSA James E. Trimble, FSA, CERA, MAAA SOA Antitrust Compliance Guidelines SOA Presentation Disclaimer
Math Motivators Recent Research: The Hamilton Project published research findings in 2016 that suggest scaling up a daily, individualized tutorial program will allow students who have fallen behind grade level in math to reengage with regular classroom instruction, likely increasing their chances of graduating high school and achieving the many long-term economic benefits that go along with academic success. As part of their research, approximately 600 students were randomly assigned to receive the Match/SAGA tutorial intervention. The impacts were strong: 23% increase in math test scores in standard deviation 50% decrease in math course failures in standard deviation 25% decrease in non-math course failures in standard deviation The mission of the Math Motivators program is to close the Achievement Gap by establishing a volunteer-driven math tutoring program that pairs low-income urban high school students with professional actuaries and college students majoring in actuarial science, mathematics, or math education. The Math Motivators Pilot Program: Hartford, Ct 2015-2016 academic year 13 UCONN actuarial students tutored 3 after school SAT sessions with 26 high school juniors Results.. 2016-2017 academic year 25 UCONN actuarial students, 2 MassMutual actuaries and 2 retired actuaries tutored 100 students at 2 high schools Tutors provided year-round Algebra 1, AP Calc, AP Stats, and support for 4 after school SAT sessions Results 1
The Benefits What s in it for the high school students: These students can t afford to pay for tutoring Class sizes continue to grow, providing less individual attention to students What s in it for the math teachers: Having extra bodies is incredibly important Teachers retain control over content & methodology What s in it for the principals and schools: Schools are ranked based on standardized test results (see U.S. News & World Report on annual high school rankings) In the current world of school choice, rankings trump reputation and extracurricular activities of schools which impacts enrollment 2
Corporate Engagement Why did I get involved? What were my expectations going into the program? How did my expectations compare to my actual experience? What does my employer and the actuarial community stand to gain as a result of my involvement? 3
The Benefits (Continued) What s in it for the tutors: Strong sense of accomplishment making a real difference Develops communication skills Develops leadership skills Interaction with professional actuaries What s in it for the Actuarial Science programs: Stronger graduates- industry notices! University notices too. What s in it for the Actuarial profession: Community outreach is noticed-actuaries making a difference Adds to a positive image of Actuaries 4
What is the Foundation s Role? Based on these successful outcomes to date, the Foundation has made a commitment to scale and expand this program into other cities across the United States by; Creating a committee to oversee the program. The members should be passionate about the program and willing to play a leadership role in their respective cities. Researching and identifying the next Math Motivators cities. Recruiting committee members and volunteer tutors living and working in these cities. Partnering with donors and corporate sponsors to provide annual funding to sustain and grow the Math Motivators program. Developing partnerships that will be helpful in the expansion including; the Actuarial Organizations (SOA, CAS, Academy, IABA), Foundations, Charter School networks (e.g. KIPP, Achievement First, Uncommon, Success), Gamma Iota Sigma and Corporations. 5
Math Motivators Expansion Plans Twin Cities Chicago Hartford, CT New York City Washington D.C. Expansion Requires: 1. A university willing to promote the program and provide tutors 2. A willing high school(s) that need help Other cities suggested; Baltimore, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Springfield (Mass), Des Moines, Philadelphia, Omaha, Twin Cities 3. An individual to oversee the program in their community and to bring all the partners together 6
Who Would Like To Join Us? "I am a volunteer Algebra 1 tutor at a Hartford High School. The teacher and the students thank me after every session. It is incredibly rewarding to know I am working with students that need help with math but cannot afford to pay for a private tutor. It s amazing to see how much impact only an hour has on their confidence. - Joe Finch, ASA, MassMutual 7
MathMotivators Motivators Math A High School Math Tutoring Program A High School Math Tutoring Program
Invitation The Actuarial Foundation, the philanthropy for U.S. actuaries, is committed to changing lives through math education. Our mission is to enhance math education and financial literacy through the talents and resources of actuaries. We achieve this mission with innovative programs that promote lifelong learning to inspire secure financial futures. Donors and corporate sponsors make the Foundation s work possible. Please join us in advancing math education and the actuarial profession by supporting the Math Motivators program. 2
About the Program The mission of the Math Motivators program is to help close the achievement gap by establishing a volunteer-driven math tutoring program that pairs low-income high school students with professional actuaries and college students majoring in actuarial science, mathematics, or math education. In 2016, The Actuarial Foundation Trustees piloted the Math Motivators tutoring program in Hartford, Connecticut. Now, the Foundation aims to build upon this success to replicate and expand Math Motivators to high schools across the nation. The program works in three simple steps: 1 2 3 Step 1: Representatives from The Actuarial Foundation will meet with you to better understand your student s specific math learning needs. We will want to know what math topics you want help with as well as the days and times you want tutors. Step 2: Volunteer tutors from a nearby university along with actuaries who work in the vicinity will be recruited. Step 3: The math tutoring begins! 3
Meeting a Need The Hamilton Project published research findings in 2016 that suggest scaling up a daily, individualized tutorial program will allow students who have fallen behind grade level in math to reengage with regular classroom instruction, likely increasing their chances of graduating high school and achieving the many long-term economic benefits that go along with academic success. As part of their research, approximately 600 students were randomly assigned to receive a tutorial intervention. The impacts were strong: 23% increase in math test scores in standard deviation 50% decrease in math course failures in standard deviation 25% decrease in non-math course failures in standard deviation 4
Initial Results in Hartford, CT Show Promise For the last two years, The Actuarial Foundation Math Motivators program has partnered with two high schools in Hartford, CT with impressive results. o Algebra 1 Freshmen participating in the Math Motivators program saw a dramatic increase in their test scores when compared to Freshmen at 5 other high schools. o SAT in the 2015-2016 academic year, the Math Motivators class received the #1 average math score in the state of Connecticut when comparing students receiving free/reduced lunch. 5
2017-2018 Expansion New High Schools Interest has already been expressed from high schools in Brooklyn, NY; Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; and Atlanta, GA Additional Tutors Additional university students from our existing pilot program and new universities will be brought into the TAF network. Additional high schools in Hartford, CT will be added to the program. Also, tutors are assisting with a range of topics from basic math skills to AP Calculus.We are currently evaluating new program expansion opportunities in Chicago, IL; Brooklyn, NY; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; and Washington D.C. (and many other cities). High school and university representatives in these cities have expressed considerable interest in bringing the volunteer math tutoring program to their respective schools and communities. 6
Benefits What s in it for the high school students: These students can t afford to pay for tutoring. Class sizes continue to grow, providing less individual attention to students. What s in it for the math teachers: Having extra support in the classroom is incredibly important. Teachers retain control over content & methodology. What s in it for the principals and schools: In the current world of school choice, rankings outweigh reputation and extracurricular activities, which ultimately impacts enrollment. What s in it for the tutors: Being a Math Motivator gives students the opportunity to make a real difference, giving them a strong sense of accomplishment. They will also be challenged to develop stellar communication and leadership skills while they build relationships with professional actuaries. What s in it for college and university actuarial science programs: The skills that the tutors develop as Math Motivators will raise their personal profile as well as the profile of their college or university. What s in it for the actuarial profession: Actuaries participating in the Math Motivators program will feel the positive impacts of making a difference in their own communities while also advancing awareness and appreciation for the actuarial profession. 7
Would You Like to Join Us? Would you like to join us? The Actuarial Foundation is seeking support from corporate sponsors, philanthropic grants and individual donations to support the expansion of the Math Motivators program. Along with financial support, we need Math Motivators volunteers to provide local support in the communities they live and work in. The Foundation cannot achieve its vision without the support of its generous sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Please join us in supporting mathematics education through the Math Motivators program. Jason Leppin Executive Director The Actuarial Foundation jason.leppin@actfnd.org 847-706-3557 I am a volunteer Algebra 1 tutor at a Hartford High School. The teacher and the students thank me after every session. It is incredibly rewarding to know I am working with students that need help with math but cannot afford to pay for a private tutor. It s amazing to see how much impact only an hour has on their confidence. - Joe Finch, ASA, MassMutual The Actuarial Foundation 475 N. Martingale Road #600 Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.actuarialfoundation.org