TEANECK, NJ (Monday, August 15, 2005) - As reports are released state by state of schools not meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress guidelines required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, a study published in the Roeper Review: A Journal on Gifted Education (Volume 27: Summer 2005) indicates that additional work in mathematics through a highly sequential, individualized method may be one answer to improving test scores in low-income and minority groups and identifying mathematically gifted children whose talents have been masked. The Javits grant evaluation study examined the effects of providing students with Kumon Mathematics instruction in addition to their regular classroom study. Participants in the study attended the same inner-city elementary school in a medium size, Midwestern city with an ethnic mix of 98 % African American and 2 % Caucasian. Nearly all children at the school were performing below grade level. The study was held over a three year period.
In years two and three of the study, the standardized mathematics test scores from the Iowa Test of Basic Skills were analyzed. Scores showed that the group receiving Kumon Mathematics instruction had significantly higher test scores. Developed in Japan, Kumon is a flexible, individualized, sequential method that provides for acceleration and is widely used throughout the world.
"Even after two years of not doing Kumon, the Kumon group greatly outperformed the non-Kumon group," states study administrator Dr. Patricia Hollingsworth. "In only one year, 60% of the Kumon group advanced two or three grade levels of mathematics compared to advances by 41% of the non-Kumon group."
Matthew Lupsha, of Kumon Math & Reading Centers says, "This evidence of Kumon instruction being used to identify children with mathematical potential, who otherwise might be overlooked, is a testament to the belief and mission of Kumon ? to enable all children to reach their full potential."
About Kumon Math and Reading Centers
Kumon [k -mon] is an after-school math and reading program. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses a systematic approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Worldwide, there are 3.5 million students studying at more than 22,000 Kumon Centers in 43 countries. For more information: 1-800-ABC-MATH or visit www.kumon.com. Kumon North America is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey
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