Tulsa, OK- A special computer software is helping students succeed at math.
We spent the day at Inola Elementary School, where the kids were competing to get to the state Math Race championships.
Since they started the program here three years ago, state standardized testing scores in math have gone up into the 1300-1400 range, with the top score being 1500
In Mrs. Davis' class, fast fingers are a prerequisite.
The sound of clicks on a keyboard means these students are scoring well on their minute-long times tables quiz.
It's called Math Race and it's pretty much what it sounds like- a race to see who can solve the most multiplication problems.
"It's fun to do," said reigning Math Race state champion, Arly Garner. "It helps your mind see fast."
But, Garner's got some competition- his best friend Trevor.
Besides some healthy competition, the game, which is part of the Soft Seven computer program, aims to increase students scores in math.
"I've worked with seven schools that are on the state's Needs Improvement list and all seven are either off the list or on their way to getting off the list by making adequate yearly progress," said Dr. Mark McCurry, who created the program.
Even the teachers notice the difference.
"The more they do it, the better they get," said Mrs. Davis.
The students get a boost of confidence, they say- especially when they beat Einstein.
Participation in the program has gone from just a handful of schools to more than 70 in just five years. State championships for Math Race are in Stigler in May.
