Todd School Showcased for Singapore Math

>from the Briarcliff schools

Todd Elementary School in Briarcliff Manor was recently selected to host Marshall Cavendish executives, who observed how the Singapore Math program and its digital component are used in the United States.

Fourth-grade teachers Lorraine McDermott and Melissa Magliulo’s class hosted the visit on Nov. 12.

Visitors included Peng Yim Siew, CEO of Marshall Cavendish, who traveled from Singapore to observe the class, as well as Vivian Cheng, area director of Marshall Cavendish, and Greg Soldatenko, general manager of East West Math, LLC.

Principal Nadine McDermott said the executives wanted to visit the school to learn about different strategies the teachers are using in class and implement those best practices in schools around the world. Although many elementary schools in the U.S. use the Singapore Math program in their curricula, Siew said he chose Todd Elementary School for his visit because he noticed the teaching of the material is consistent and allows students to think logically.

“I heard it’s one of the best schools,” said Siew of Todd. “I see the kids are very interactive. Where I come from, you don’t see that. It’s very encouraging to see how the students think and learn.”

Magliulo, who teaches special education, noted that the class’s multimedia technology, Primary Digital, is used in conjunction with “Primary Mathematics” textbooks to enhance instruction. She said the technology allows teachers to differentiate for students based on their level and allows students to work at their own pace.

According to math curriculum coordinator Cindy Yaeger, through the online component of the program, students can work on various math problems outside of the classroom. It also allows parents to view the textbooks online and see exactly how the teacher taught a specific lesson.

PHOTO: Peng Yim Siew, CEO of Marshall Cavendish, traveled from Singapore to Todd Elementary School to observe a fourth-grade class on Nov. 12/Courtesy of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District