Creating Math ChaMpions one gaMe at a tiMe

a Big piCtUre Learning initiatiVe

nBa Math hoops aims to improve math literacy among urban youth by creating innovative, fun, and effective educational tools that harness the power of the nBa.

NBA Math Hoops is a Big Picture Learning initiative, born at the MET School in Providence, and a shining example of Big Picture Learning s innovation. We have formed a unique and groundbreaking partnership with the National Basketball Association,

leveraging the influence that NBA and WNBA stars have among our nation s youth to get them excited about learning math. Hasbro, who sets the gold standard in the industry for product quality as well as quality control, is our production partner.

For a plethora of systemic and social reasons, many children develop deficits in their understanding of math, and therefore an aversion to it. this becomes a positive feedback loop with catastrophic results that negatively impact success in school and life.

65% of all 8th grade students test below the proficient level in math

OUR SOLUTION IS BASKETBALL

We have created a supplemental math program for middle school students that is aligned with and informed by the Common Core State Standards. The program is built around a simulated basketball board game that uses real-world NBA and WNBA player data. Math explorations designed specifically to investigate and make meaning of the intricacies of the game provide multiple opportunities for students to apply many of the Common Core Mathematical Practices.

THE

GAMEPLAN
The classroom kit includes a 90-page Coach s Manual for each student and a 150-page Commissioner s Guide for each teacher.

8 gaMe Boards 240 pLayer Cards Up to 32 stUdents

A WINNING STRATEGy
Math scores improved 51% on average after a nBa Math hoops Curriculum, across 3 tested areas.

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In the Spring of 2010, the NBA Math Hoops game and a collection of support activities were piloted in 7 schools across the country, each with at least 50% of its students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The results of the initial pilot run were astounding. The data points to remarkable improvements of 51% in students actual math scores, across three tested areas, as well as improvements in their attitudes towards math, which they will take with them throughout their entire lives. Our in-house pre and post pilot assessment and analysis showed amazing increases of 51% in math scores on average, across 3 areas:

1. Mixed operation Facts 2. solving equations 3. Contextual scratch pad scenarios

A pre and post attitudinal assessment given to all students also showed measurable gains with respect to students attitudes towards math following their NBA Math Hoops experience. Boys and girls improved at the same phenomenal rates. We have qualitative evidence that suggests competing against and beating boys in basketball was empowering for the girls.

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Bill Daugherty, Founder & Executive Chairman: Upon graduating from the Harvard Business School, Bill served as Sr. Vice President of Business Development for the National Basketball Association from 1991-1999. After leaving the NBA, Bill went on to become the co-CEO of Interactive Search Holdings, which was sold to Ask Jeeves in 2004. Bill chairs the Center for Entrepreneurship at The Met Center, where he teaches three mornings each week. His extensive network, business acumen, and successful track record of entrepreneurial ventures are invaluable to NBA Math Hoops success.

THE

Khalil Fuller, Chief Executive Officer: Over the course of his young career, Khalil has shown a passion for social entrepreneurship and education reform, and has earned multiple fellowships, scholarships, and grants for his work. His enthusiasm and determination to see our mission fulfilled serve as the driving force behind NBA Math Hoops.

Tim Scheidt , Inventor & Creative Developer: Tim is the inventor of the NBA Math Hoops board game and a principal writer of the student and teacher support materials. Sports being a prevalent context for Tim s work, he is also the author of Fantasy Baseball: An Integrated Math Program. First published in 1994, the Fantasy Baseball program has been utilized by over 1 million students nationwide.

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Jim Fina, Inventor & Project Manager: Jim has been working in educational publishing for the past 25 years, serving variously as editor, production manager, and editorial/design director at such companies as Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Scholastic, and Kaplan Inc. amongst others. He is also the co-publisher of Fantasy Baseball: An Integrated Math Program.

Dennis Littky is the co-founder and codirector of Big Picture Learning and the Met Center in Providence. He is nationally known for his extensive work in secondary education in urban, suburban, and rural settings, spanning over 40 years. As an educator, Dennis has a reputation for working up against the edge of convention and out of the box, turning tradition on its head and delivering concrete results.

Elliot Washor Ed.D. is the co-founder and co-director of Big Picture Learning. He is also the co-founder of The Met Center in Providence, RI. Elliot has been involved in school reform for more than 30 years as a teacher, principal, administrator, video producer, and writer. He has taught and is interested in all levels of school from kindergarten through college, in urban and rural settings, across all disciplines.

TEAM

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WERE GOING

NATIONAL

NBA Math Hoops will launch nationally in the Fall of 2012 with roughly 500 Classroom Kits distributed to schools and youth centers across the country. Each Classroom Kit will service up to 32 students, which allows for up to 16,000 students to be reached by the national launch. Distribution for the national launch will be predominantly to middle schools and corresponding after-school programs with a minimum of 60% of their students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

We are currently searching for a third party research organization to conduct a multifaceted study during our nation launch and further prove NBA Math Hoops efficacy. We hope for the study to measure student growth with respect to mathematical content, application of mathematical practices, and attitude towards mathematics.

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We look forward to working with you! together, we can create math champions, one game at a time.
Sincerely, The NBA Math Hoops Team Email: Contact@nbamathhoops.org

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