When students in Mrs. Chelsea Escamilla’s classroom at Leipsic High School were asked about their experiences in the 2021-2022 course, they shared the following:

I enjoy doing hands-on activities and associating with my peers. I feel like it definitely gives you a different perspective of learning, rather than sitting in a chair and just hearing a teacher talk. I think having us figure it out with our groups creates an innovative way to learn. 

-SB, senior, future plans: work force, possible associate degree 

I did happen to take Algebra 2 last year which was tough. I would do my best and try but for kids like me, I needed the extra help from my teacher which I’m grateful for. With that being said, one teacher trying to show multiple kids the same thing would be hard for them. Mostly this is just because each student will be in a different spot mentally. The math modeling course gives a more realistic math look in the real world. Real world problems that deal with math help me and others understand more. 

-AC, senior, future plans: Bachelor degree Criminal Justice 

I enjoy this class because I've always struggled with math my whole life getting D´s and F´s. Math and modeling lets us students be more interactive in the class and with each other in groups. It shows us real world problems. I actually learned so far this year. This will be the first year where I don't have to worry about not passing the class. 

-KC, senior, future plans: work force (MMR is his Algebra II equivalent) 

I also like how it is not just “here learn these notes” as we all sit there. 

-MC, senior, future plans: undecided (MMR is her Algebra II equivalent) 

Mrs. Escamilla has challenged us to try to think outside of the box and now we can do math more efficiently because we find new methods to do things. I also really like all of the [hands-on] work rather than doing homework and worksheets all the time which typically left me stressed and struggling. I also feel as if we learn more useful skills for life after high school than what we would have in algebra, such as problem solving skills or even things about credit cards and credit scores. 

-CL, senior, future plans: Bachelor degree Education 

This class has helped me by being able to use models to figure something out… [It] gives me a chance to do well in school because I’m not the best at math. It is an easier option than having to take Algebra 2 or taking any advanced math classes. When I say easier I mean that the class is better to understand and comprehend compared to some other math classes that students are required to take. 

- BL, junior (MMR is his Algebra II equivalent)

When students in Mrs. Stacey Fauley’s classroom at Riverside High School were asked about their experiences in the 2022-2023 course, they shared the following:

Instead of solving a lot of random math problems, this course is more hands-on.  It takes real-life situations or scenarios that you have to apply math skills to in order to complete it.  It helps prepare you for life after high school with these types of projects and assignments. 

-DH, senior, future plans: work force, possible college 

The assignments are all tougher and more hands-on than the previous mathematics classes I had taken.

-DH, senior, future plans: work force

More realistic numbers, uses everyday math numbers.

-KS, senior, future plans: work force

It is just taking prior knowledge and applying it to new things, where previous classes you learn completely new things.

-JF, senior, future plans: work force

This class shows [how] to plan money when we are on our own.  And just to plan a trip - it gets us ready when we really have to do it [by] ourselves.

-HS, senior, future plans: STNA or physical therapist

A lot more challenging and exploration but can also be quite a lot of work. 

- DJ, senior, future plans:  work force

Students at Green HS shared that they liked that lessons were hands-on and not just “take out a piece of paper and let’s take notes”. In this class, they experienced that working with others in groups was a good experience, learned how to manage their people skills better, and use math in real life circumstances such as credit cards and budgeting. “This is practical math- less stress-good pace. It is real compared to other math courses.”