Mrs. Kim Lallemand, a Saint Benedict alumna herself, has been teaching 8th grade math at Saint Benedict School for 18 years. In that time, she has become known for her outstanding teaching style which prepares students for the sometimes difficult transition from middle school math to high school math.
“I AM VERY PLEASED TO SAY THAT MANY ALUMNI AND THEIR PARENTS REPORT THAT STUDENTS FELT PREPARED FOR HIGH SCHOOL MATH, IN BOTH BISHOP CARROLL AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.”
In most cases during middle school, students have had the same math teacher for four years. Mrs. Lallemand says that adjusting to new teachers can be one of the biggest challenges students face.
“It may take some time to adjust to new methods, expectations, or routines,” said Mrs. Lallemand.
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Lallemand says that just like learning any other skill, math takes practice each and every day. It isn’t always easy. Sometimes students need to re-do steps, take a break and come back to it, or look up examples; but with practice, it can be done.
Saint Benedict’s math curriculum is set by the Education Office of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese and incorporates Common Core Standards. They use the Saxon Math Program, a challenging and intense program that includes practicing basic facts and reviewing concepts daily. Students build on and practice previously learned skills, while also being introduced to new topics along the way.
“There is a strong progression of skills from year to year,” said Mrs. Lallemand. “For example, each year hones expanded form until the oldest students are writing in scientific notation and calculating in scientific notation. Repetition and practice are the keys!”
Students also have additional math resources available to them. An online game, First in Math, provides games, gyms, and practice problems designed for each specific grade level. A new program the school recently started involves robots that the students can program. Mrs. Lallemand is excited about the possibilities of this
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