Real Life, Real Math: Algebra Kickstarter Builds Skills, Confidence

Dr. Twana Davisson leads Algebra Kickstarter.

“When will I ever use this in real life?” 

It’s a question many students may be thinking when learning algebra. 

Making foundational math skills feel relevant is one of the goals of “Algebra Kickstarter,” a new MFEE summer math program for 20 rising ninth graders.

The three-week intensive is designed to give students a head start and help them succeed in Algebra 1 at Montclair High School. Students were recommended to the program by their eighth grade math teachers. 

The no-cost program, running July 20 through Aug. 7, pairs core math concepts with real-world projects that make math personally meaningful. Taught by retired MPS math educator Dr. Twana Davisson, it aims to spark engagement and encourage success in the Algebra 1 class. 

"This program is built on a simple but powerful idea: students learn algebra best when it connects to their real lives,” Davisson said. “I've been thrilled by what I've seen in the first week — students who seemed hesitant at the start are now working through problems independently at the board, supporting each other in groups, and genuinely engaged in projects like our 'Budget Your Life' challenge, where they used algebra to build a real monthly budget and make real financial trade-offs. The confidence I'm seeing develop in just a few days is exactly why programs like this matter."  

The classes include direct instruction, guided practice, project work, peer and instructor feedback, as well as student presentations to explain math concepts. 

Algebra Kickstarter grew out of MFEE’s successful summer math work with multilingual learners who needed additional support in algebra, expanding that model to serve an even broader group of students. It is run in coordination with MHS.

“We’re so excited to be applying lessons from our after-school support and summer tutoring programs to help even more students make a stronger start in high school,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “By strengthening algebra skills before the school year begins, we hope to give them the tools, knowledge, and momentum to thrive in ninth grade math and beyond.”