Math League a big plus for students and the state

by Joe Nathan

Like a coach describing a terrific ski run, Eastview High School Math League coach Mike Haugh “nailed it’ when he wrote recently that Minnesota’s High School Math League helps students learn to think.

“Some kids get by with rote memorization and/or they rely too heavily on formulas.

Members of my team (and others) demonstrate over and over again the perseverance and creativity needed to solve problems. They approach problems from many different angles, which has to be a terrific life skill that extends beyond the world of math.  The MML provides a terrific outlet for students who have already transcended the traditional high school math curriculum, yet it is still a valuable learning playground for students still in “normal” 9th or 10th grade classes. “

Eastview High School’s math team is one of the Minnesota’s top ten this year and will compete March 8 at the state Math LeagueTournament.

Eastview placed 2nd in its conference, but was invited to participate in the state tournament because they ranked very high statewide.

Apple Valley’s math team also was invited to the state tournament because of its strong season-long performance. Dan Patterson, Apple Valley High School coach told me that “…the math league is a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy math, excel at math, and/or want to improve their math skills.  Students that normally breeze through their high school math courses are really challenged through our competitions.”

Eagan math league coach Martha Rietveld explained, “The math league has provided students an outlet for their mathematical talent.  These students have an opportunity to compete in a subject area that they love.  Our team enjoys working together during practice as well as competing together 5 times per year.  Our top scoring team member is Lars Johnson, a junior at Eagan High School.  He has taken on a leadership role as he teaches the other members of the team about the upcoming topics.  This past season, Lars had 3 perfect meets.  He finished 2nd in the south division.”  Eagan’s team also is competing at the state tournament.

While Rosemount High School did not quality for the state tournament, Matt Quan a senior,  did qualify and will compete.  Brian Fendrich, his coach, wrote, “Matt is just an incredible student and person.  He has qualified for four straight years to compete at the Minnesota

State High School Math League State Tournament.     Matt has always

taken the challenge to do the most challenging math problems, yet he has always been sincere in helping those on our team do their best regardless of their level. Matt has twice qualified to represent Minnesota in the national math competitions. “

Lakeville South Math Coach Mark Liberty wrote, “In a high school mathematics classroom, there are plenty of students who are able to achieve an “A” grade for the particular course they are enrolled.

Among those students, however, a select few “A” students are so talented mathematically, they deserve distinction beyond just receiving an “A” grade.  Math League is a venue where the top mathematical minds in schools throughout Minnesota are able to showcase their remarkable talent. The level of difficulty presented by math league challenges these students in a way they might not be challenged in a mainstream math classroom.  This provides these students with renewed mathematical inquiry and hopefully inspires them to pursue careers in fields where they may be able to utilize their given talent.

Elk River coach Curt Michener wrote,  “ It’s nice to have activities available that celebrates a student’s intellect.  For me, the best part is the group problem-solving that takes place in preparation for a meet.  Students and coaches are pushed to think about solving problems in non-traditional ways. That creates a much better understanding of the material as a whole. “

Cindy Boo, Anoka High School Math Coach praised the League for allowing “ the brightest students to get together and solve very difficult math problems; believe it or not, they enjoy it! The problems are not typical textbook problems; creative thinking is a must.  It is the intuitive problem solver who is most successful. Math League is the perfect outlet for these students to be recognized for their talent.”

Youngsters competing in the league further develop skills that some of them will use, to help solve problems – whether it’s stronger, more cost-effective bridges, more easily understandable software, better transportation systems…almost any technical problem imaginable.  Info about the League is at www.mnmathleague.org

Recently retired Macalester professor Wayne Roberts helped found the Math League in 1980.  In a League history published in 2005, Roberts wrote that “students who have risen to the top in league competitions have gone on to study at the nation’s best colleges, universities and graduate schools, and then pursued careers in areas making good use of their mathematical abilities.”

Minnesota’s Math League is a big plus for students and our state.

Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and school administrator, directs the Center for School Change at Macalester College.  He welcomes reactions, jnathan@macalester.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it