SCC will be utilizing a Russian pedagogy for teaching arithmetic and mathematics for K-8 graders. The Russian model
emphasizes building first a solid arithmetic base with a substantial number of word problems that reinforce concepts, and
then building upon this foundation with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and analysis. The curriculum which covers
arithmetic through algebra and geometry for students in grades K-8th, was authored by Dina and Larisa Migachyov and is
published by Quaternion Press. The Russian model for teaching mathematics is well-known, and yields positive results. In the
TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study of 4th and 8th graders) 2007 results, the Russian Federation
outscored the U.S. at both the fourth and eighth grade levels.
SCC will be providing small group tutoring for Russian-speaking low-income students from grades K-8, utilizing a structure
that incorporates the use of volunteers from area businesses and within the Russian-speaking community. In the Former
Soviet Union parents were not welcome within the educational system and did not interact with teachers or school personnel
in any meaningful way, nor did they influence curriculum, discipline, or other school policies. Having Russian-speaking
community members involved in the educational support of their children through a formal program such as Russian Math
Masters is a first for this population. T
his community-building model has the potential for changing the Slavic cultural mentality regarding school involvement and
volunteering. Volunteerism is not a cultural norm within the Former Soviet Union. This model will help break the isolation
experienced by Russian-speaking community members and allows everyone involved to build relationships that can be
mutually beneficial in the future for inkind donations, employment opportunities, business connections and community
relations. At this point in time the Russian-speaking community in Shakopee is just beginning to develop some relationships
with government, community-based and other entities, through their relationship with the Slavic Community Center. The goal
of SCC is to serve as a bridge between these entities and the Russian-speaking community in the short-term, so that as
people and agencies come together they will build their own working relationships and take the initiative to reach out to other
resources and community members.
Students will first be assessed to evaluate their knowledge base and identify any existing gaps in knowledge/ skills. The
program will be taught in English, with explanations in Russian given only when needed. Additional goals of the program are
to increase: the English vocabulary, reading comprehension of word problems, and mathematics terminology of each student.
emphasizes building first a solid arithmetic base with a substantial number of word problems that reinforce concepts, and
then building upon this foundation with an emphasis on critical thinking skills and analysis. The curriculum which covers
arithmetic through algebra and geometry for students in grades K-8th, was authored by Dina and Larisa Migachyov and is
published by Quaternion Press. The Russian model for teaching mathematics is well-known, and yields positive results. In the
TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study of 4th and 8th graders) 2007 results, the Russian Federation
outscored the U.S. at both the fourth and eighth grade levels.
SCC will be providing small group tutoring for Russian-speaking low-income students from grades K-8, utilizing a structure
that incorporates the use of volunteers from area businesses and within the Russian-speaking community. In the Former
Soviet Union parents were not welcome within the educational system and did not interact with teachers or school personnel
in any meaningful way, nor did they influence curriculum, discipline, or other school policies. Having Russian-speaking
community members involved in the educational support of their children through a formal program such as Russian Math
Masters is a first for this population. T
his community-building model has the potential for changing the Slavic cultural mentality regarding school involvement and
volunteering. Volunteerism is not a cultural norm within the Former Soviet Union. This model will help break the isolation
experienced by Russian-speaking community members and allows everyone involved to build relationships that can be
mutually beneficial in the future for inkind donations, employment opportunities, business connections and community
relations. At this point in time the Russian-speaking community in Shakopee is just beginning to develop some relationships
with government, community-based and other entities, through their relationship with the Slavic Community Center. The goal
of SCC is to serve as a bridge between these entities and the Russian-speaking community in the short-term, so that as
people and agencies come together they will build their own working relationships and take the initiative to reach out to other
resources and community members.
Students will first be assessed to evaluate their knowledge base and identify any existing gaps in knowledge/ skills. The
program will be taught in English, with explanations in Russian given only when needed. Additional goals of the program are
to increase: the English vocabulary, reading comprehension of word problems, and mathematics terminology of each student.
Russian Math Masters Program
Slavic Community Center
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