Manatee Bay Elementary School Ranks Number 1 in Nation in First in Math® Online Program

WESTON, Fla., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Suntex International, creators of the First in Math Online Program, today announced Manatee Bay Elementary students have finished 1^st among 6,000 schools across the nation in the First in Math Online Program, a dynamic, self-paced, web-based mathematics practice program that has been proven to help students master math skills through the use of game-style activities that provide immediate feedback. To recognize students' achievements, First in Math will be conducting an awards ceremony at Manatee Bay Elementary on Monday, June 3^rd at 9:00am.

Manatee Bay students have solved 3,798,000 problems, or approximately 18,000 problems for each participating student in the school. Through the First in Math program, students have been encouraged and motivated to practice and improve their math skills both during their free time at school and at home throughout the school year. First In Math is a supplement to curricula designed to provide the "deep practice" that accelerates mastering the concepts they learn in the classroom.

The program includes a friendly competition component, whereby Weston's Manatee Bay Elementary School students competed against their classmates, as well as other schools in the district, state and nationwide, for top honors.

"As we close out another school year, we're very proud of the progress our students have made this year in math education and confidence about their skills," said Robin McClain, Partners in Education Liaison and Fifth Grade Teacher at Manatee Bay Elementary School. "First in Math has played an instrumental role in challenging our students to practice math and improve their skills. We're equipping students with the skills needed for high school, college and beyond."

The First in Math program has already helped millions of students achieve proficiency in basic and advanced math skills in thousands of schools across the country. Numerous school districts have seen standardized test results in math improve dramatically as a result of using the program.

The combination of "deep practice" and immediate feedback is the heart of the First in Math program. This methodology helps students grasp and understand difficult concepts by breaking them down into manageable segments and providing instant feedback to help them make adjustments to their technique to improve their skills, similar to the way students would receive feedback in the physical realm when playing sports, for example. First in Math provides this vital feedback loop that's missing from most curricula. The game-style format engages students so they willingly spend many more hours a week practicing math.

The program covers the six foundational skills required for advanced mathematics, including basic facts, fractions, decimals, integers, exponents and order of operations. Students play the wide variety of games—during free time at school and by logging in to play from home—earning virtual stickers that accrue like points to their individual, classroom, school and district-wide score. The friendly competition, makes for a lively, motivating experience that not only engages students in math practice, but can actually further enhance the overall culture of success at the school.

"We've seen a total transformation in Manatee Bay Elementary School, not only with dramatic improvement in math proficiency, but also in the overall confidence and desire to achieve in other areas of life," said Bob Sun, chairman, president and CEO of Suntex International, and creator of the First in Math program. "We're looking forward to what the future holds for the students who have mastered critical skills through First in Math. We hope this skillset opens doors to broader opportunities for achievement."

First in Math is entirely web-based, which means that students can practice math skills from anywhere with an internet connection. This affordable program also includes teacher tools to help students get started, track individual student progress, and keep them motivated throughout the school year. 

For more information about the First in Math Online Program, visit www.firstinmath.com.

About First in Math
First in Math is a dynamic, self-paced online program that helps students in grades K-8 master basic through advanced math skills through the use of engaging, exciting game-based activities. Developed and distributed by Suntex International, First in Math uses deep practice techniques and instant feedback to supplement the classroom curriculum and motivate students to practice math in the same way they practice sports, music or other activities they enjoy. The program is sold to private and public schools and school districts on a per-student annual subscription basis. Suntex is a private company headquartered in Easton, PA. For more information, visit www.firstinmath.com.

SOURCE First in Math