Since 1998, John Mighton’s charitable organization JUMP Math has been heralded nationally and internationally as a saviour for students struggling in math. JUMP – Junior Undiscovered Math Prodigies – has been adopted by parents, educators and tutors across Canada, the United States and some parts of Europe.

The JUMP program is designed to build a child’s confidence in math through “success-based learning strategies.” The program works by presenting the student with a sequence of basic equations that progress and build off one another. Students are taught one mathematical concept at a time. Once they have mastered one concept, they are given another that builds off of the understanding of the first.

A British study showed a marked improvement over five years by students who were educated using the JUMP method and Ontario is now undertaking its own study on the effectiveness of the program.

JUMP has professional development programs in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec.

At the end of August, JUMP hosted a two-day workshop in Chateauguay for elementary-school teachers. The goal of the workshop was to educate teachers on the JUMP method of teaching with the hope that it will be implemented in Quebec classrooms. The workshop promised to help “eradicate math anxiety and encourage students to reach their potential.”

According to the results of the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment and the provincial analysis results reported in “Measuring Up: Canadian Results of the OECD PISA Study,” Quebec 15-year-olds lead the nation in math scores.

The report states: “At the provincial level, only 15-year-old students in Quebec performed above the Canadian average. With an average score of 536, they were surpassed by only five countries. Students in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia performed at the Canadian average, while those in the remaining provinces were below the Canadian average.”

Parents can bring the JUMP math program into their home through the resources provided on its website. JUMP also offers resources for tutors who wish to adopt the program, including a fund to provide training, workbooks and guides for community organizations and volunteer programs that offer tutoring outside of school. JUMP materials are available for Grades 1 through 8.

For more information visit jumpmath.org.