Math for Success

Dr. Laura Hathaway has her finger on the pulse of today’s students, and is fully aware of their struggles in math studies. According to National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, nearly 60 percent of first-year community college students, and 40 percent of students accepted in four-year colleges must take at least one remedial course in math and English. These courses do not receive college credits.

With a doctorate in math education and a Master of Science in counseling, Hathaway developed a program, “Math Success” (www.mathsuccess.net), and coaches boys and girls from fourth grade through college in math and science. Hathaway helps teens prepare for college entrance exams, and also to feel confident in achieving good scores.

Are boys smarter than girls in math? “No way!” answers Hathaway. But boys and girls do learn differently. And she would know. Hathaway explains that girls are verbal and process oriented. Boys work in patterns and mimic instructions. Often a classroom teacher has too many students, and too little time to change techniques and teach to these differences.

Entering Hathaway’s work room/ study hall, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. She has a mellow personality and speaks with a soft voice. She is perceived as a coach and, like a coach on the field of play, she strives to bring out the best in the individual.

Each student has come to her for a reason: the need for good grades to get into college-level math, or better math grades to please parents. Doctors and engineers tend to have very driven children with work habits that are goal-oriented. Others may have a different motivation and focus. Sometimes, other factors are at work in seeking math help — peer pressure, or troubles at home. Many students have some degree of disability which manifests itself, from a short attention span to depression. Hathaway also works with ethnic minorities struggling with assimilation into a different culture. Teens especially like group sessions, where small successes are cheered on by friends, while others prefer one-on-one coaching.

For all, Hathaway provides a boost of confidence and self-esteem about success in math that serves them well later in life.

And, later in life may mean selecting a good fit for that college education. So many choices. Big or small? Nearby or far away? Dad suggests his alma mater. Mom is worried about the costs. College counselors are available at most high schools and colleges. Many scholarships offered are not awarded, simply because students don’t apply for them. Washington State students can apply for hundreds of scholarships at once through the free website www.thewashboard.org.

For now, if math skills need to be strengthened, a math coach can help.

Three Number Facts:

11,800

Students per quarter attending Edmonds Community College

1923

First run of the City of Edmonds ferry, from Edmonds to Kingston

9/18

Edmonds-Woodway first district football game of the season

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