Entry Points, BEAM’s newest program, combines the same kind of high-quality math programming, and community and mathematical identity building for students as our local programs in New York City and Los Angeles. It is designed, also like our local programs, to help students discover the beauty of mathematics and develop real expertise in mathematical problem solving.
The key difference is that local teachers implement the Entry Points curriculum in their own classrooms, rather than BEAM faculty in BEAM classrooms.
Students are using Beast Academy (Art of Problem Solving’s highly regarded online program) in their classrooms. One teacher told us with Beast Academy, which uses comics to teach math, students feel like they “get to do math” rather than that they “have to do math.”
While BEAM faculty led students using Beast Academy in the previous school year, this year local teachers implemented the program with the help of BEAM coaches. Coaches checked in with teachers monthly, learning about their experiences, providing support, and helping find solutions to challenges that arose.
One teacher commented: “[My coach] listens to the needs of my students. She is able to give me supporting activities that bring in more reluctant students.” Another commented, “My coach does a great job with efficiently utilizing our time together…She also follows up with resources and thoughts after we meet. I never feel burdened by our meetings, only empowered.”
In Entry Points, we’re also helping students and families create communities where they have fun doing math together.
One particular highlight of the program this year was Family Nights, hosted in English and Spanish, where families were invited to play games, meet Entry Points staff, and even have the chance to win a raffle! Families also had the opportunity to have conversations about math-problem solving skills. Staff asked, “What did you feel while playing these games?” One student reflected: “It felt fun, and the [brain teasers have] a lot in common with math.” Another family member said: “Tengo que ejercitar [mi mente] mas a menudo” (I have to exercise my mind more). We’ve been sending out monthly newsletters with activities, including puzzles for families to do together at home to continue practicing outside of the classroom.
Oodle, a Wordle variation, solved in teams at a Family Night!
Entry Points is designed to build on the success of BEAM programming in New York City and Los Angeles, while providing a pathway for BEAM to reach more students in diverse settings and to support teachers nationwide.
We’re looking for partner schools for the 2022-2023 school year! Please share this article with your networks! Learn more and connect with BEAM here.