Many DDHS students struggle with math

Students at David Douglas High School may struggle in different subjects. Math is one of the subjects that students are struggling with. In a poll, when asked of 30 David Douglas students, "What subject do you struggle with the most?” 80% responded math. Passing math is a 3 year required subject for high schoolers. Teachers that teach here at David Douglas have taught math from two through sixteen plus years of experience. As students may struggle through math, teachers may encounter some challenges. 

“Paying attention in math class is difficult when math is your 1st subject of the day, mornings are rough.” said a DDHS sophomore. A freshman says “My math class is after lunch and, students are loud and disruptive during the teacher’s lessons.” No matter what part of the day it is, math classes have other struggles other than the time of day. Other students mention “teachers are not good at explaining the lessons.” or “don’t know how to ask for help.” and also “lack of practice in certain units.” As many students have struggles in math, they may not appear to have the same struggles. 

The most common challenges teachers have with students are being able to ask for help when they don’t understand the lesson, constantly being on their phones, and struggling to stay awake while taking notes. Teachers have about twenty to thirty students each class period. Teachers are challenged every day to keep up with lesson plans, grading, adapting to the math curriculum, and, most importantly, keeping their students engaged in class. When teachers notice their students falling behind, not understanding the assignments, or having bad grades they encourage students to take the time to come by lunch or after school to ask for help or communicate with them by email. One integrated 2 teacher says “Signs I see when students start to disconnect from the lessons is when they start to wander around the classroom, put their heads down, zoning out or having side conversations.”

These disconnections make it hard for not only students but also teachers. Math teachers stated it would be easier for students to communicate with their teachers when they need help. Teachers also recommend helping options through the school such as Scot Center, RISE program, LSU, IRCO, and Mr. Rhodes in classroom 115 after school for additional help hours.