The NBA Math Hoops Experience Creating Math Champions nbamathhoops.org - learnfresh.org
Learn Fresh is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that strives to make learning fun for everyone! We utilize culturally relevant topics and brands that students revere, to develop fundamental academic skills and show students that learning can be derived from the things that matter most to them. We explicitly focus our efforts to support the most underserved students in urban education settings across the United States. Our first product is NBA Math Hoops - a fast-paced board game and free mobile app that teaches fundamental math skills to students through the stats of their favorite NBA/WNBA players. The NBA Math Hoops curriculum is tied to Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning Skills, and has been shown to improve students’ basic math skills and understanding of statistics, as they shoot, score and earn the title of Math Champion.
The Cleveland Chapter Initiative Students’ Average Increase from pre to post test
28% Data collected from 2013-14 Community Programming
In 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers partnered with Learn Fresh to establish the first regional community program to feature the NBA Math Hoops game and curriculum. Students from over 50 sites across Northeast Ohio now use Math Hoops in both classes and after school programs. Students’ progress is evaluated using pre/post tests composed of Common Core questions correlated to the Math Hoops game and curriculum. A snapshot of important data from the program’s first year is included below: • • • •
The average student’s score increased by 28.3% The average boy’s score increased by 24.1% The average girl’s score increased by 32.5% Black/African-American students’ scores increased by an average of 32.1% • 70% of students exposed to the program enjoyed playing NBA Math Hoops games
For the Educator: Training and support are provided throughout the year for all participating teachers and administrators. A series of events are held at Quicken Loans Arena, providing educators with an opportunity to learn the game, give feedback, and meet colleagues in the program. An Educator Advisory Board of current program leaders helps to guide the program and provide a voice for all education organizations and their teachers. For the Student: Along with an outstanding educational experience, students are provided with opportunities to interact with the Cavaliers organization in a number of ways. Player site visits engage select students across the region, while all participating learners take part in a season-long points program that incentivizes consistent participation. The end-of-year State Championship event sets a high expectation for all students. For the School/Program: Learn Fresh provides all NBA Math Hoops program materials at no cost, due in large part to charitable contributions from Hasbro, Getty Images, and other supporting organizations.
2013-14 Signature Events Creating Math Champions nbamathhoops.org - learnfresh.org
The Tipoff Clinic Educators from across the region joined the Learn Fresh staff at Quicken Loans Arena for a two-hour introductory training session with the NBA Math Hoops game and curriculum. “It was fun,” said Jim Harris (Associate Head of School, Citizens Leadership Academy). “The teachers got really competitive in the room. Then all I had to do was sell it to the kids...they immediately got into it.”
Opening Night Over 60 students at Luis Muñoz Marín School in Cleveland participated in a special Opening Night event, the day before the Cavaliers’ season opener. Students played their first games of NBA Math Hoops, and participated in a Q&A and autograph session with former Cavs’ guard C.J. Miles. “This program is truly going to bring benefit to the scholars of Luis Muñoz Marín,” said Principal Jeff Kerucksi. “It’s helping them work on their math skills...and it’s also helping them to become lifelong learners, and that’s our goal here.”
Life-Sized Math In a special event with students from the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s after-school program, Learn Fresh turned a basketball court into a Math Hoops game board to teach the concept of shooting percentage. C.J. Miles returned to take the shots, and the students did the math in this highly interactive session.
The State Championship 32 NBA Math Hoops teams from sites across the region gathered at Quicken Loans Arena to compete in the first annual state championship event. Championship winners and the Educator of the Year were recognized on-court at the following night’s game! To create Math Champions in your community, contact: Khalil Fuller, CEO - khalil@learnfresh.org, (818) 212-0269 Nick Monzi, Director of Programs - nick@learnfresh.org, (845) 240-0885