TULSA, Okla.–As Oklahoma student math scores sit near the bottom of the nation, local math tutors fill an outsized role in preparing the next generation of leaders.
Only 27% of Oklahoma fourth graders scored at or above proficient in math compared to 37% nationally, according to the Nation’s 2024 report card.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows Oklahoma was among 14 states and U.S. territories that “performed significantly lower than the national public.”
Donnell Hawkins, a former linebacker for the University of Tulsa, works as one of the nation’s thousands of private tutors seeking to fill in the gap through Donnie P’s Math Tutoring.
“A lot of kids lose their confidence in math because they think they can’t do it, and it’s too hard. Well, they’re mathematicians in real life. It’s just about how to pull that math out of them,” Hawkins told the Black Wall Street Times.
The three-year letter winner and 88-career tackling former football player realized he wanted to become a math tutor while studying in nursing school during the pandemic. After seeing his friends go into coaching and teaching, and after a conversation with his wife, Hawkins launched his own math tutoring program.
The mission for Donnie P’s Math Tutoring is to ensure equitable access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), according to their website. Hawkins said his goal is to build independence, critical thinking and confidence.
“I’ve always been good at math, and it was fun to me, too. Even in college,” Hawkins said.
Politics dominate headlines as low test scores sit on sideline
In a state where Republicans dominate the education system, far-right Republican state Superintendent Ryan Walters hasn’t overseen a substantial increase in public school students’ math test scores since taking office.
His headline-dominating rants over the past few years against “woke” indoctrination and “terrorist” teachers has led to an ongoing Oklahoma ethics investigation, an increase in school bomb threats, and over a dozen lawsuits from parents, teachers and journalists.
Meanwhile, the state’s test scores in both reading and math continue to sit at the bottom 10 of the nation’s 50 states.
Most recently, a federal judge ruled in favor of Walters against a former teacher who accused Walters of libel and slander. Summer Boismier, a former Norman High Teacher, resigned from her position in 2022. It came after Walters targeted her over her decision to share a QR code to a virtual list of books that have been banned in Oklahoma and other states around the country.
The legal battle between the two began after Oklahoma passed a law limiting discussions on race, history and gender in public school classrooms.
Math tutor: Is it effective?
As state leaders push political battles on social media, Donnell Hawkins has traded in his cleats for a clipboard. A preliminary study from the University of Chicago Education Lab found students who participated in frequent tutoring were more likely to perform better in math.
“I think a lot of people just don’t understand, or they don’t see its value, especially as a kid, right,” Hawkins said. “If you can critically think to solve this problem right here, then you can critically think to solve problems out in the real world. It makes you look for different solutions, infinite solutions, in order to get to your goal.”
Other studies have shown mixed results about the effectiveness of tutoring programs, according to a report from the Hechinger Report that looked at programs in Tennessee. As a solution, experts suggest math tutors focus on customized programs tailored to the individual.
“In college Algebra, I did get upset with my teacher. My first year, I got an F in math,” Hawkins said. “Because he was doing different stuff. His testing method was just different. So, once I got on board the next semester, I ended up knocking it out.”
Related Stories:
- Ryan Walters’ Bible mandate blocked, but legal battle continues
- Op-ed: Tulsa’s tech future depends on inclusive Computer Science education
- Oklahoma Students Rally Against OSDE’s Controversial Immigration Rule
Comments are closed.