Are you worried he's falling behind? Or perhaps you’d like your kid to get ahead over the summer. Here’s an inexpensive solution. Memphis Challenge, a nonprofit college prep program for minority teens, is providing the S.O.L.E. Math Project.
S.O.L.E. stands for Summer Online Learning Experience, an 8-week web-based tutoring program that helps kids strengthen math skills. Through a series of math problems, students are assessed to determine their math skill level. S.O.L.E. then creates a customized, interactive learning course for students to follow.
This is the second year Memphis Challenge has offered the virtual program. Last summer, more than 350 students in grades 3 to 12 took part citywide. Webster hopes to surpass that number this year. The S.O.L.E. project starts June 8th and runs through August 8th.
Early registration: April 2-May 10. • Program fee: $45
Late registration: After May 10. • Program fee: $60
“The strength of S.O.L.E. Math is that there’s no fear of embarrassment for students,” says Cassandra Webster, executive director of Memphis Challenge. A sixth grader who hasn’t yet mastered multiplication tables can work to strengthen that skill without worrying about classmates realizing she or he may not know them. The program is self-paced, so students can move ahead as quickly as they show mastery of material. Students can also request to be moved on to a more challenging level.
In addition to online work, Memphis Challenge is planning several live interactive activities for kids who participate, such as a math scavenger hunt to be held on-location in Memphis. During these interactive events, kids can meet others participants and work on problem-solving skills together.
Parents receive weekly updates on their student’s progress. S.O.L.E. recommends spending 30 minutes a day practicing math skills. The computer tracks how long a child logs onto the program and is actively engaged.
“We know students can experience a summer learning loss if not actively engaged in a challenging program. S.O.L.E. Math is affordable and the confidence students gain is priceless,” says Webster.
To learn more, go to memphischallenge.org