Frequently Asked Questions

How are students placed in classes?

Each student takes an initial placement test to determine which class fits his or her needs the best.  Placement is crucial to success -- the student's math ability should dictate placement -- not simply the student's overall grade level.  Proper placement gives each student a positive and comfortable point to start.

How are placement tests administered?

Eastside Basics requires a $30 initiation fee which includes registration and placement evaluation.  Eastside Basics sends a copy of the placement test to your home.  Students take the test without any outside help and without the use of a calculator.  The test is then mailed back to Eastside Basics for grading.  Based on the results, a recommendation will be made as to placement.

How do you measure progress?

At the start of each course, we ask students to take a short pre-test.  At the end of each course, we ask students to take a post-test.  The comparison of the results should demonstrate the students' progress.

What is the scope of Eastside Basics' curriculum?

Summer session will focus on math sense (counting, manipulating, ordering, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers).  Fall and Spring sessions will continue to focus on number sense but will add courses that focus on geometry and algebra.

Will Eastside Basics math program help with the WASL?

Our goal is give students a strong foundation for junior and senior high school math and beyond (SAT, college math and science, careers that require math).  We do not specifically teach to the WASL.  However, we believe that as students become stronger in math skills and math confidence, their ability to do well on the WASL will increase.

Why does Eastside Basics use California Standards and textbooks?    

California Standards have been given top honors by the Fordham Foundation -- recognized as being the strongest in the country.  The Houghton Mifflin California Edition textbooks and workbooks map directly to those standards.  This gives us an excellent basis for building strong math curriculum.

Will Eastside Basics be an effective program for students who excel in math?

Students with excellent math ability will benefit greatly.  The California Standards offer an impressive range and depth of material.  Students who test above grade level may be placed into the next level up.  Within each class, we have the ability to group students so that they will be challenged by additionally difficult problems.

Will Eastside Basics work for students who struggle in math?

Placement tests provide us with a tool for matching students with curriculum.  It is essential that the student start out in a math class where there is some level of comfort.   Each class can them be divided to make sure that students who need a little extra time or instruction can get it.  If the student still continues to struggle, we can suggest extra help at home or private tutoring.

How is class time structured?

Our goal is to provide an excellent environment in which to learn math.  Enthusiastic teachers and aides will work with very small classes to make math accessible, fun and personal.  Class time will be divided between lesson presentation and group time.  Students will be able to learn through formal teaching, games, group exercises and individual problem solving.   We hope to create a place where students want to come and learn.

Where can I get more information about Eastside Basics?

Visit the Program, Classes and Schedule pages on this web site.