Math in the Mail Evaluations Show Math Kits Improve Math Performance

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN: Math in the Mail develops foundational math skills in three-year-olds by providing the tools needed for parents and caregivers to help their child learn at home through play. This math literacy initiative is a collaboration between Bay-Arenac ISD, Clare-Gladwin RESD, Gratiot-Isabella RESD, Midland ESA, and Saginaw ISD.

Outside evaluations of Math in the Mail found that participating children, upon entering four-year-old preschool, perform more than two times better than their peers on foundational math skills. Key findings from the latest report include:

● At least twice the percentage of Math in the Mail participants met literacy and mathematics expectations when compared to their peers each of the last three years, indicating that Math in the Mail has a statistically significant positive impact on student literacy and mathematics development when entering preschool.

● For Fall 2019, Math in the Mail participants performed two times better than their peers in meeting literacy expectations on the TS Gold assessment.

● For Fall 2019, Math in the Mail participants performed 2.5 times better than their peers in meeting mathematics expectations on the TS Gold assessment.

Math in the Mail is part of a focus to prepare our students for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences and careers in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. It is FREE for families living in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland or Saginaw counties with household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty guideline. A subscription option is available for families who do not qualify for the free program.

By enhancing children’s mathematical understanding and confidence, Math in the Mail helps to make foundational mathematics knowledge accessible. Families enrolled in Math in the Mail receive a free kit in the mail, 6 times per year, containing materials, resources, and instructions for several age-appropriate, play-based math activities.

The first four years of Math in the Mail were funded by the Dow Corning Foundation, which allowed the program to provide kits to over 3800 children. Funding to sustain this impactful program is currently being sought, and sponsorships are available to area businesses and/or service groups who would like to support this investment in the education of the region’s children.