St. Christopher School in Midlothian recently adopted the Singapore Math program as the core component of its math curriculum, becoming one of the first schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago to implement the teaching curriculum.

The school is using Singapore Math in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Singapore Math emphasizes problem-solving and model-drawing, with a focus on an in-depth understanding of the essential math skills recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The program inculcates mathematical concepts by moving from the concrete through the pictorial to the abstract representation of mathematical topics.

In order to facilitate its adoption of the program, St. Christopher has partnered with Eileen Knight, professor of education at St. Xavier University, who is a leading expert on Singapore Math and elementary school mathematics education.

Knight has individually observed each classroom at the school and provided hands-on mentoring to each individual teacher. She also has conducted several workshops for the school faculty.

“We are extremely fortunate to have our faculty work and learn from Dr. Knight, who has an incredible depth of knowledge on mathematical educational methodology, and we are excited about the impact Singapore Math will have on our students’ academic achievement,” said Michael Johnson, principal of St. Christopher School.