November 21, 2006

Kathy Schmitmeyer - New Bremen High School Math Programs

New Bremen High School math teacher, Kathy Schmitmeyer, addressed the club to give an overview of the current math programs at the school.  

Given the countrywide push for more math programs in our school systems,New Bremen schools has responded with some changes in their program offerings.  She shared that changes to the math curriculum is based on feedback received from NB graduates who are polled to give their input about strengths and weaknesses of the programs and how they prepare students for college studies.  About 5 years ago, with the help of Gary Jones, she developed a course for seniors who are not typically in math.  It is an algebra 2 level course that is focused on data gathering & analysis and reasoning skills.  A second program was a modification to the Senior Advanced Math (SAM) program to make it calculus based to help students prepare for college level math courses.  Students have since performed well in the SAT versus national averages. 

In the 2006-07 school year, the school implemented an Advanced Placement (AP) course in math that allows students to obtain college credit while studying in high school.  Students can then save time and money through participation in the program but it does require rigorous work in and out of class.

Accompanying Kathy were two students, Steph Winner and Uriah Harrold who have been studying in the AP program.  They both addressed the club to describe their experiences in the program and how it has taught them not only math, but study and time management skills that will benefit them after high school.

Kathy is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio and lives in Coldwater with her husband Larry and their three children.

Hosting Rotarian: John Wierwille