Competence in mathematics is essential for functioning in everyday life in the 21st century, whether it’s determining fuel costs for a road trip, assessing the advantages of going with one mortgage lender over another, or calculating the annual rate of polar ice melt. You need math skills to go grocery shopping, balance your checkbook and perform any number of tasks at your workplace.
Do you have trouble with math or does it scare you? Consider these comforting words:
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics. I assure you mine are far greater."
—Albert Einstein
National Mathematics Advisory Panel
The U.S. government’s desire to raise the math skills of the nation’s students is evidenced by the creation – by executive order of President Bush – of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel on April 18, 2006, to advise him and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings regarding the best use of scientifically based research on teaching and learning mathematics.
* Read the 2007 Preliminary Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. NMAP Preliminary Report
The United States government went into near hysteria 50 years ago when the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik and sparked the space race. Thus began a crusade to raise the math and science skills of American students. That frenzy was unparalleled until the close of the 20th century, when standards-based education was ushered into K-12 classrooms and not since "new math" was introduced in the early 1960s has there been greater controversy and more heated debate surrounding American mathematics education.
Caught in the crossfire of furor over "standards" are the millions of children and teachers who are wincing at the intense pressure to perform and achieve results. Combine that with other school-, peer and family-related pressures and it can fairly be said our students and teachers are suffering levels of stress and emotional turmoil never before felt in our nation’s schools.
Facts at a Glance:
2006 PISA Mathematics Literacy Results (From a December 2007 Report)†
An important international comparison of student skills conducted every three years is orchestrated by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which assesses the math, science and reading skills of 15-year-olds – typically 10th-graders in the U.S. PISA is sponsored by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental organization of 30 member countries that participate in the assessments, along with several non-OECD members.
U.S. students scored 474 points out of a possible 1,000, compared to the average of 498 for OCED nations.
31 countries – 23 OECD members and eight nonmembers – scored higher, on average, than the United States.
20 countries – 4 OECD members and 16 non-OECD members – scored lower than the United States.
The U.S. mathematics literacy score dropped slightly from 483 points in 2003 to 474 in 2006, a change which was not considered measurable.
The U.S. PISA ranking among OECD members did not change from 2003 to 2006.
† The complete 2006 PISA report can be downloaded on the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics Web site: Go to NCES.
What Is It About Math?
The thought of mathematics is scary and causes a great deal of anxiety for a lot of students, especially when they first begin learning it and even more so when it comes to test time: All those numbers and having to come up with answers that are so exacting. Test anxiety is similar to the anxiety many of us feel when we have to give a public speech or engage in other activities on which we place special importance. Anxiety creates a kind of "noise" or "mental static" in the brain that blocks our ability to retrieve what’s stored in the memory, impairing our ability to comprehend and reason.
At test time, we have trouble remembering facts and difficulty with questions that require thinking through problems. Low or failing test scores don’t always mean a student hasn’t learned the material or doesn’t know how to think through a problem, only that he or she hasn’t learned how to deal with test anxiety. HeartMath gets to the root of the problem by providing simple, scientifically validated methods for reducing anxiety and getting in sync.
Resource Information
Improving Test-Taking Skills & Academic Performance in High School Students Using HeartMath Learning Enhancement Tools: High school seniors who received HeartMath learning enhancement skills demonstrated substantial improvements in test scores and pass rates on state-required math and reading tests, along with significant reductions in hostility, depression and other key indicators of psychological distress. Go to Improving Test-Taking.
College Prep Readiness Program, by Michael Vislocky, Ph.D. and Ronald P. Leslie, Ph.D. "We now have a very strong base for producing noteworthy improvements in math performance."
— For more listings, type the keywords "Math Proficiency" in the Web site search box at top of page.
HeartMath Helps Students Learn Math
HeartMath research has identified a measurable physiological state that underlies optimal learning and performance. In this state, an individual’s emotions are calm, and the brain, nervous system and other bodily systems function with increased synchronization and harmony – physically, mentally and emotionally. This optimal state of being in sync facilitates the higher cognitive processes critical for focusing attention, reasoning and creativity. These higher cognitive processes are all essential for effective learning, academic achievement, including proficiency in mathematics.
Who Needs HeartMath Research-Based Programs?
All students in grades 2-12.
College students who want to boost proficiency in mathematics and other courses, and boost test scores.
Teachers and tutors who teach math.
Public and private school administrators seeking to raise math proficiency in their schools.
Parents who home-school their children.
Parents and others who care for and are concerned about children and want to help raise their math confidence and competence.
HeartMath Programs/Products for Increasing Math Proficiency
The Power of TestEdge®
HeartMath researchers devoted a lot of time and effort developing the TestEdge® supplemental learning programs, which are scientifically designed, evidence based and tested to help bridge emotions and academics for student success. The TestEdge programs are specially tailored for the individual needs of students in various grade levels and are based on HeartMath’s 19 years of scientific research. They teach students how to use positive emotions and emotional awareness to get in sync and stabilize the brain’s electrical activity.
TestEdge® National Demonstration Study: In a major educational study, IHM, in collaboration with faculty and graduate students at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, Calif., and with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, investigated the ability of TestEdge® to reduce stress and test anxiety and improve emotional well-being, quality of relationships and academic performance in public school students.
The TestEdge National Demonstration Study (TENDS) found that 61% of all students in a HeartMath intervention group and a control group reported being affected by test anxiety, with 26% experiencing high levels often or most of the time. Following the intervention group’s participation in the TestEdge program, 75% of those who had reported experiencing test anxiety at the beginning of the study had reduced levels by the end of the study.
The TestEdge group learned simple techniques for calming themselves, stopping the "mental noise" that can block recollection of important test material and prevent them from focusing their complete attention on the task at hand. Go to TENDS to read a summary of the study.
The TestEdge® Product Line
TestEdge® Grades 3-5 Teacher’s Kit (for classroom use): Many young students are unprepared for the pressure of mandated exams and can become emotionally and/or physically upset, even weeks in advance. Because of this, their ability to learn new information and to recall and use what they have already learned already is greatly inhibited. With TestEdge tools, techniques and strategies, students learn to overcome test anxiety, resignation and discouragement while at the same time improving listening and focusing skills.
TestEdge boosts comprehension and problem-solving because it’s so highly effective at increasing clarity. Each of the 16 fully scripted lessons is presented on poster-size photo lesson cards that engage student participation and learning.
Learning is enhanced with Student Workbooks, which are purchased separately. Go to TestEdge Grades 3-5.
TestEdge® Grades 3-5 Student Workbook (for classroom use): The Student Activity Book is scientifically validated and child friendly. Students will learn about feelings, how stress affects them and ways to deal with it, how to activate positive feelings, when their bodies are in sync/out of sync and test-taking strategies and skills. Includes two essential HeartMath tools: Freeze-Frame® helps them step back from situations to find new options; Neutral helps them neutralize strong emotions. Go to TestEdge Grades 3-5 Student Workbook.
TestEdge® Grades 6-8 Teacher’s Kit (for classroom use): In the tumultuous middle school years, students are grappling with the onset of puberty and adjusting to new schools, multiple teachers, and changing relations among peers. The grades 6-8 version of TestEdge is geared toward helping these young students improve their attitudes and motivation to learn. Students who practice this evidence-based program learn to transform the test-taking experience and perform better on standardized tests. Its fully scripted lessons are presented in a flexible format that allows teachers to customize the 20 15-minute lessons to their scheduling needs.
Student activity books are purchased separately. Go to TestEdge Grades 6-8 Teacher’s Kit.
TestEdge® Grades 6-8 Student Activity Book (for classroom use): The Student Activity Book is scientifically validated and youth friendly. Students overcome test anxiety and stress in fun ways by understanding how their emotions and attitudes are affecting academic work. Three HeartMath tools are provided: Neutral – step back from situations and neutralize strong emotions; Attitude Breathing® – identify and shift unwanted attitudes; Freeze-Frame® – freeze the moment, step back and find new options.
TestEdge has improved test scores 30% or more. Go to TestEdge Grades 6-8 Student Activity Book.
TestEdge® Interactive CD Grades 6-8 (for home or classroom use): Designed for students to learn at their own pace, this multimedia leaning program combines flash images, narration and interactive sessions to fully engage the learner. After reviewing key points, students take short quizzes that tie learning to their personal experience. This evidence-based program is effective at helping students understand how emotions and attitudes affect academic performance and provides step-by-step instruction on how to shift into an optimal state for leaning.
In addition to test performance and motivation, students improve classroom behavior and focus. Go to TestEdge CD 6-8.
TestEdge® Grades 9-12 Teacher’s Kit (for classroom use): A major research study supported by the U.S. Department of Education with 980 high school students suggests that when students manage stress and test anxiety, they are able to achieve both a significant reduction in test-related anxiety and a corresponding improvement in standardized test scores.
Because the outcome of high school tests can have significant consequences, TestEdge 9-12 gives students a needed performance edge in learning and test-taking. As students reduce dread and test anxiety they increase their motivation, focus and comprehension. Like all TestEdge programs, it teaches a set of easy-to-use techniques to help students find their personal zone of best performance – like athletes who perform their best when they’re in the zone. Twelve fully scripted lessons can be customized to meet scheduling needs. Student activity books are purchased separately. Go to TestEdge Grades 9-12 Teacher’s Kit.
TestEdge® Grades 9-12 Student Program/Activity Book (for classroom use): Scientifically validated and teen friendly. Students learn about their three brains and emotions and how they affect learning; the heart-brain connection; performance blocks; and achieving their goals. Includes three key HeartMath tools: Neutral – step back from situations and neutralize strong emotions;
Attitude Breathing® – identify and shift unwanted attitudes; Freeze-Frame® – find new options, solutions. Go to TestEdge Grades 9-12 Student Program/Activity Book.
TestEdge® Interactive CD Grades 9-12+ (for home or classroom use): As students progress through the TestEdge Interactive CD, they gain greater confidence, focus and motivation in both academic work and school interactions. In each video segment, high school and college-age students explore typical issues they confront each day. They learn how to apply the TestEdge tools to challenges, including: communication difficulties with parents, teachers, peers and coworkers; feelings of being overwhelmed and time pressure; difficulty learning new material and the feelings of stress and anxiety associated with big tests.
Throughout each of the five lessons, interactive exercises help students pause, reflect and internalize the material. The resource section contains 12 optional lessons in PDF format that allows for review and further understanding. Go to TestEdge Interactive CD Grades 9-12+
Inside Story Classroom Program, Grades 9-12+: This stress-management supplemental classroom program for bridging emotions and academics for student success helps high school and college students understand the connection between their emotions, health, performance and daily lives. Includes the latest research in neuroscience, emotional physiology and stress; and guides the student through the Freeze-Frame® technique for managing stress by freezing what’s happening in the moment,
stepping back and gaining a wider, clearer perspective, then activating positive emotions. Go to Inside Story.
emWave Technology for Student Success!
emWave® PC/Mac Stress Relief System (for home or classroom use): Students can revitalize their minds, bodies and spirits in the classroom and watch their heart rhythms in real time on a computer monitor, see how emotions affect them and discover which emotions they can activate to effectively manage stress and boost vitality. HeartMath’s 19 years of research has shown emotions are reflected in our heart-rhythm patterns. The emWave PC/Mac software program for the classroom, which also can be used on a home computer, teaches the student how to intentionally shift to a positive emotional state and then watch how shifts in their heart rhythms create physiological responses.
Stress will diminish and feelings of well-being and energy will increase. Track progress through user-friendly graphics, play interactive games and experience the Coherence Coach™ and Emotion Visualizer™. For ages 6 and up. Go to emWave PC or emWave® Mac for Classroom.
emWave® Personal Stress Reliever: When you’re outside of the classroom – in the hallways, eating lunch in the cafeteria or out on the grass or you’re on your way to school – the emWave PSR hand-held is the perfect way to keep tabs on your stress level and make sure you’re entire school day is stress free. This unique portable device is no bigger than a cell phone and goes anywhere. It shows how stress is affecting your body and how to manage, reverse and prevent its effects.
The emWave PSR, based on years of scientific research, uses a patented heart-rate-variability measurement and coherence scoring process. By controlling your stress you’ll enjoy a healthier, more energetic day at school and when you most need to move into "the zone," the PSR, for ages 8 and up, can help you get there fast. Go to emWave PSR.
Testimonials: Educators Say HeartMath Improves Math Proficiency
"I’m ecstatic! High school students are excited about this program because it gives them an edge in learning math and in demonstrating their proficiency on tests. Many students who felt discouraged about their math performance now feel confident that they can succeed."
—Dr. Michael Vislocky, Professor of Mathematics, University of Cincinnati at Clermont
"The December test scores showed a 16% improvement in math scores and we have received a number of very positive anecdotal comments from students who have participated in the pilot study. One student commented, ‘I think everyone should take this class because it doesn’t only help with test-taking, it helps with the stress of everyday living."
—Prudence Goodale, Assistant Superintendent, Stoughton Public Schools, Stoughton, Mass.
"Even given a relatively short amount of time to learn and practice the stress-reduction techniques, over 70 percent of the participants surveyed felt the skills they had learned (in the TestEdge program) were of significant help on the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) — and all of them felt the program was of some aid. Nearly 90 percent of the participants believed that they performed better on the test using these techniques than they would have otherwise. MCAS math scores showed a 16% average improvement."
—John Keppel, Stoughton Public Schools, Stoughton, Mass.
"The students made gains that were significant because they represented one to two years’ growth in reading or math with only one month of preparation and instruction. This clearly shows that in teaching students how to use the HeartMath tools, they were able to reduce their test-taking anxiety and more accurately show us what they know."
—Stephanie J. Thurik, M.Ed, Secondary Curriculum Specialist, Minneapolis Public Schools
Funding Tips for Educators:
HeartMath has a variety of information for school and district personnel interested in purchasing Institute of HeartMath® programs and products. Please visit our Funding Sources Web page for information about a variety of federal, state and private educational sources.
Perhaps you’re eligible to be a recipient of the IHM Heart-Based Education Sponsorship Fund. To learn more, go to Heart-Based Education.
