The U.S. Department of Education has approved new methods of teaching math. The program is the Carnegie Learning's Cognitive Tutor, and tests if technology based studying can help improve student achievement in math and reading. Fairfax County has only adopted the program for math so far.

“I really like using this style because we get to learn on our own pace and we never get behind,” freshman Rachel Wolman said.

Teachers get progress reports with mistakes and how long it takes the student to complete the unit.

Research has shown that using this method students have a better understanding of algebra in general. This will help students on their Standard of Learning tests.

The computers ask questions relating to real life and things students can relate to.

“Since we have started working this way I have never been asked, how am I going to use this in my future?” math teacher Ginnie Quarry said.

Last year’s method was the more traditional way of teaching math with a new concept each day and teachers lecturing.

This new method starts with the concept and then breaks it down so each student can work at his or her own pace. There are bench-marks for each student to reach each quarter so that no one is too far behind.

The program is new to McLean and according to Quarry the students have been thriving. Sixty percent of the new technique consists of class work, and forty percent is spent in the computer lab.

This method has better classroom interaction than the standard way. Teachers can spend more time with students who need the extra attention that they otherwise would not receive.