Charlotte, NC

THE CHALLENGE

51% of economically disadvantaged students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) scored below grade level in math on the 2019 NC End of Grade tests.

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THE WORK

98% of the more than 990 students tutored by Heart Math Tutoring met program growth goals in math in 2018-19.

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MORE ABOUT HEART MATH TUTORING

Heart Math Tutoring is the only volunteer-driven, math-focused intervention used during the school day in CMS. From late September – May, volunteers provide targeted instruction for 30 minutes twice weekly during school hours. Heart partners with CMS on student selection and to develop curriculum.

“Many of our students have gotten to the point that math feels like a foreign language, and they cannot speak up in class,” said Emily Elliott Gaffney, Executive Director of Heart Math Tutoring.

After a student is assessed, tutoring begins at the student’s current level, regardless of grade. As students grasp concepts, they realize that they can make progress. “We believe math can be a tool for helping students become empowered and enthusiastic learners,” added Gaffney. 92% of surveyed teachers said Heart students are more confident in math.

Since 2011, The Belk Foundation has invested $410,000 in Heart Math Tutoring.