NSIA MathFest crest MathFest
Why motivation works

Kids practice more when there's something to practice for.

  • Students are drawn to enrichment that has a competitive edge
  • Low preparedness and low enthusiasm are two of the biggest drags on math achievement
  • Lack of practice leads to weak results — and motivation is what gets students practicing
Students working together on a math activity with a mentor
A student focused on a MathFest answer sheet
What works for MathFest students

Eleven things we protect on every event day.

  • A genuinely supportive learning environment
  • Educational games and interactive activities
  • Learning that's actually enjoyable
  • Visible enthusiasm and passion for the subject
  • Immediate feedback on student work
  • Broad participation with real paths to advance
  • Rigor adjusted to reduce frustration
  • Recognition at multiple levels of success
  • Mentorship from older students who once competed
  • "What's working" share sessions for teachers, parents, students
  • Full 1st–8th grade involvement
Equity, on purpose

Closing the gap takes more than an open invitation.

  • Marketing built specifically for high-minority schools and their parents
  • Every participation fee removed
  • Capacity Building Teams deployed directly into minority schools
  • Rigor adjusted to support broad advancement
  • Events located near high-minority communities to cut down on travel
  • Extra support built in for teachers and students at these schools
A group of MathFest students celebrating together MathFest students at a regional event
+45%
increase in minority student participation since these strategies began
What makes this different

Not another exclusive competition.

  • Built for grades 1–8, not only upperclassmen
  • About 80% of participants advance to the next round
  • Both individual and team formats
  • Free for students and guests
  • Open to every student, regardless of academic level
  • Aligned to state and national standards
Students holding up 1st through 8th grade signs at a MathFest event
Bring MathFest to your school or district

Let's give more students a reason to love math.

National School Improvement Alliance · Regional and National MathFest events held throughout the year.

Contact us: rboykins@debatefest.com