School of Education master’s candidate Sarah Bertelson instructs students from Bell’s Hill Elementary in Waco ISD in early math concepts at the Math for Early Learners Academy (MELA). A Baylor 2024 graduate with a BSEd in elementary education, Bertelson will be a teacher at Bell’s Hill after her master’s graduation in August. (Photo by Gaby Garcia)
Baylor University’s Mathematics for Early Learners Academy (MELA), sponsored by the Baylor School of Education (SOE), is underway now at the Mayborn Museum on the Baylor campus through July 24 for students ages 4 to 6.
Dr. Sandi Cooper
The four-week summer program, designed for students who have just finished PreK or Kindergarten and directed by Sandi Cooper, Ph.D., professor of mathematics education, aims to establish a solid foundation in “number sense,” especially for students who could benefit most from this summer experience in mathematics. According to Cooper, research shows early math skills are a better predictor of academic success than reading skills. However, many preschools don’t focus enough on math, and students often don’t receive interventions in math until later grades.
Faculty in addition to Cooper include SOE clinical assistant professor Tracey Jones, Ph.D., providing English as a Second Language (ESL)/bilingual support, and clinical assistant professor Mandy Dunphy, Ph.D., who is leading the MELA research team.
Read more on the BAYLOR MEDIA WEBSITE.