MAC-Ro
MAC-Ro
The Math Achievement Club by Rodel (MAC-Ro) is an initiative of the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona with a proven track record of raising the math achievement of elementary school students. MAC-Ro was piloted in 10 high-poverty schools in five school districts in 2003 and, due to its tremendous success, continues to expand. The MAC-Ro Math Initiative will help 39,000 first- through sixth-grade students in 10 counties during the 2010-11 school year.
MAC-Ro: A Proven Record of Success
Year after year, schools in the Rodel Foundation of Arizona’s MAC-Ro Math Initiative continue to show incredible gains in student achievement. MAC-Ro, the Math Achievement Club by Rodel, is helping close the achievement gap that typically exists between the performance of high-need schools and the state average, according to a new study by independent university researchers.
Overall, every MAC-Ro grade level, second- through fifth-grade, narrowed the achievement gap by increasing the percentage of schools they outperformed in the state. Third-grade MAC-Ro schools posted the largest growth, essentially moving up 23 percentile ranks. In addition, the researchers found that 65 MAC-Ro schools had at least one grade level at or above the state average.
MAC-Ro: A Comprehensive Approach
The program provides a fun and motivating structure in which students learn mathematics. Based on sound educational research, the primary components of MAC-Ro include standards-based materials for students, professional development for teachers and administrators, and ongoing involvement for families.
MAC-Ro is an initiative for kids
The goal is learning, but the mode is fun. Central to the MAC-Ro Math Initiative are the monthly MAC-Ro booklets that reinforce the Arizona Mathematics Standard and improve long-term mastery of math skills. Each booklet includes a variety of math problems, puzzles, and activities intended to reinforce grade-level expectations and to infuse the excitement of discovery into the teaching of mathematics. The MAC-Ro booklets are used in addition to each school’s adopted curriculum. Students must complete the MAC-Ro booklets in addition to regular assignments.
MAC-Ro is an initiative for teachers
Simply having students complete the booklets will not increase student achievement. Each year, Rodel presents a minimum of two teacher seminars with the intent of inspiring teachers to use hands-on, standards-based strategies to incorporate dynamic learning opportunities into their instructional plans. Because teachers must teach all the skills included in the MAC-Ro booklets before they are distributed to the students, regular analysis of content both covered and yet to be covered is built into this program.
MAC-Ro is an initiative for administrators
As teachers work toward increasing student achievement through improving their instructional delivery, administrators are directly involved in the process by encouraging math best practices. MAC-Ro principal seminars provide training in what good mathematics instruction looks like, so principals can build their skills of observing mathematics lessons as well as offering tips on how to turn the MAC-Ro teacher seminars into ongoing professional development opportunities. In addition to the weekly principal observations, superintendents make quarterly visits to every MAC-Ro classroom to encourage and motivate students and staff.
MAC-Ro is an initiative for families
Great instruction is key to maximizing student achievement, but family involvement is equally important in assuring student success. Parents/guardians are encouraged to help students in the completion of the work and must review and sign MAC-Ro booklets to acknowledge that students have completed the work. Schools offer parent trainings, developed by Rodel, each year where families learn how to help their children with math and receive take-home materials to assist them with their efforts.
MAC-Ro is an initiative of excellence and accomplishment
MAC-Ro is comprehensive by design; to maintain excellence, accountability is critical. Superintendents, principals, and teachers must sign agreements that they will carry out the intent and procedures of the MAC-Ro program. One-hundred percent agreement is required. To ensure everyone understands their roles, MAC-Ro Liaisons go into each MAC-Ro classroom a minimum of four times per year to offer support to the teachers, to encourage the students, and to ensure excellence and fidelity to all components of the program at all schools. Liaisons communicate with administrators, teachers, and parents, and keep the MAC-Ro Program Administrator well informed as to the success of each school.
When brought together, these components explain why the MAC-Ro Math Initiative has significantly raised math achievement in school districts located in economically disadvantaged communities throughout Arizona.