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Students from Hale Elementary School were recognized by the Minneapolis Board of Education for their achievements on the First in Math online learning program. Hale placed first out of all grades in Minnesota and 21st in the nation.
In addition, the third grade class, taught by Josh Bliss, finished 30th in the nation for all grades and first in the nation for third grade. Two students in Mr. Bliss’s class were individually honored for placing in the top 100 in the nation. Mandie Flint placed 30th for all grades, fifth for all third graders in the nation and first overall in Minnesota.
Emma Haugstad ranked 66th in the nation for all grades, 11th for all third graders and second in the state for all grades.
The First in Math program works to increase student achievement in mathematics
by reinforcing regular classroom math teaching. First in Math uses a brainbased learning technique known as deep practice, which accelerates skills in computation, problemsolving, critical thinking and pattern recognition.
These efforts are aligned with the Minneapolis Public Schools’ strategic plan goals of raising rigor and academic achievement for all students. The exceptionally high scores achieved by Mr. Bliss’ class were roughly 60% higher than the second place state scores.
There were more than 1.2 million participants in the First in Math program this year.
Way to Go Hale Bears!