FMS Explores JUMP Math Program Following Visit from Renowned Math Educator
“We are vastly underestimating what kids can do in math,” Dr. John Mighton told a room full of FMS elementary and middle school teachers and administrators.
This powerful message set the tone for Dr. Mighton’s visit to our district this week. His visit was part of an in-depth presentation of JUMP Math, a research-based math program that FMS is currently considering for use in our schools.
Dr. Mighton challenged a long-held belief that math is only easy for some students and difficult for others. Instead, he shared a hopeful and encouraging perspective. Math does not have to be a hard subject. With the right teaching approach, all students can experience success, build confidence, and develop strong mathematical thinking.
During classroom demonstrations, Dr. Mighton showed educators how lessons can be broken into small, manageable steps that help students truly understand each concept before moving on. The positive student response highlighted how effective and accessible this approach can be.
Dr. John Mighton is an award-winning mathematician, playwright, and best-selling author who founded JUMP Math as a charity in 2002. He is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in helping children build confidence, master foundational skills, and achieve success in mathematics.
His path to mathematics education is especially inspiring. Early in his university career, Dr. Mighton nearly failed first-year calculus and stepped away from math for many years. Later, while working as a playwright and struggling financially, he began tutoring children in math. Through this experience, he discovered that when concepts were taught clearly and in small steps, students who previously struggled could succeed. This discovery eventually led to the creation of JUMP Math. In an interesting twist of fate, Dr. Mighton also appeared as Matt Damon’s math tutor in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.
During his presentation, Dr. Mighton emphasized that strong early math skills benefit students far beyond the math classroom. Research shows that early math understanding can support reading development and strengthen problem-solving skills that are essential for lifelong learning.
JUMP Math is one of two math programs currently being considered by the district. The second program, Eureka Math, was presented in January. A decision about which program FMS will implement is expected in March.
We look forward to continuing this important conversation and sharing updates with families as the district works toward selecting the program that will best support all of our students in developing confidence and success in math.