HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) - Just call it the new math.
Gone are the days when Houston Lower Elementary children simply memorized that one plus one equals two.
Now they show it in order to prove it.
Teacher June Kirby said, "Used to you'd do double facts. You'd do plus ones and plus two's to memorize it. Now they use manipulatives to learn how it's done. That way, as they get older, they understand math more."
It's a math program that's in line with the Common Core State Standards which are now in place here.
The principal points to test scores that have already improved in less than one year.
Principal Emily Speck said, "We never scored above 75 percent of our students being on grade-level going into the next level. We are already in the 80 percentile now. We're very excited about that in both reading and math."
Speck says part of that success comes because of technology.
The iPad lab is a busy place, offering students an extra bit of help in subject areas where they might be struggling.
The instructor says the thousands of learning apps that can be found keep the students busy.
Instructor Lisa Reese said, "They usually have earphones on and I have to clap my hands and go around and tap them. They're so into the games they don't want to stop."
Along with the iPad lab, there are other ways students are being helped to reach an overall goal set by the school.
Principal Speck said, "We have a Mac-centered computer lab that students go to use. Our PTO raised enough money to get every homeroom an iPad."
Along with Houston Lower Elementary, schools in the Houston School District are working to make improvements.
Educators say they hope this refocus on success in the classroom will be obvious when the state gives them much higher marks for this school year.
