Jump Math
Social/Environmental benefit
The JUMP Math program has strong support for teachers and tutors with respect to results achieved in the field with students. Early results from a study undertaken by Ontario Institute for Studies in Education indicate better outcomes for children in the program
Profile
Dr. John Mighton, mathematician, author, award-winning playwright, and social entrepreneur, founded JUMP Math in 1998, fuelled by his belief that all children can be led to think mathematically, and that with even a modest amount of attention every child will flourish. In his book, The End of Ignorance, John conceives of a world in which no child is left behind. In only ten years, JUMP Math has grown from John’s kitchen table to a renowned, critically-acclaimed social enterprise through an incremental process of development grounded in the success of John’s two books, The End of Ignorance and The Myth of Ability, and dedication to teacher. In 2004, John Mighton was awarded a prestigious Ashoka Fellowship as a social entrepreneur and most recently he was the recipient of an honorary doctorate in recognition of his lifetime achievements.
JUMP Math focuses on unlocking the potential of all children and helping them find academic success by supporting educational and community networks with resources and research. JUMP Math vision envisions a mathematically literate society in which individuals can reach their potential as full and functioning members. The JUMP Math program provides materials, methods, and training to teachers, to help them minimize the differences between students and enables them to extend ideas to their students in an engaging way.
Teachers are also taught how to better assess their students’ knowledge and readiness to move forward as well as how to encourage their students with confidence building exercises. The JUMP Math team believes this confidence is the essential ingredient for success in math. In 2006, JUMP Math implemented a pilot in the London, UK borough of Lambeth. All schools indicated that the main gain was a clear increase in student confidence test results indicated improvement for all students. The pilot program also had a notable impact on the participating teachers. Many reported increased confidence in their math teaching skills and the application of the step by step approach to learning in their other subjects.
The JUMP Math program has strong support from teachers and tutors and continuously receives positive feedback from the field. Early results from a study undertaken by Ontario Institute for Studies in Education indicate that children participating in the JUMP Math program have better outcomes. The McConnell Foundation has funded controlled group studies that will be conducted by the Hospital for Sick Children and a school district in Ontario.
JUMP Math derives a portion of its revenue through charitable donations, and also uses the proceeds from sale of student workbooks and teacher’s manuals, which are also used by tutors and parents, to develop, expand and improve the program, undertake evaluation and research initiatives, support implementation of the program when cost would be a barrier, and ensure that the program is available to children with learning disabilities, or who are vulnerable or at-risk. As an emerging social enterprise, book sales are considered to be on of the most significant sources of earned income for JUMP Math, and they are increasing exponentially due to the rising popularity of the program amongst teachers and tutors, and the addition of curriculum for new grades and complementary publications.
The JUMP Math program is incredibly effective at not only raising math and learning confidence in children but also in teaching them math. Several studies have shown a 100% increase in children’s ability to pass a math test. Most children report having more confidence in problem-solving and teachers report being more confident in their math-teaching abilities. The sheer success of this program, which has helped tens of thousands of children globally and the ease with which it can be implemented for all students makes it truly innovative.
JUMP Math has the potential to transform mathematics teaching and learning in Canada and internationally, and is positioned for growth.
