Discovery math students rank second nationally in ‘4×4’

Joey Li (seated) and Ada Chaeli van der Zijp-Tan, from left, Hyun-woo Kim and Amelia Goldston placed second nationally in National Assessment’s 4×4 competition. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Amelia Goldston, Hyun-woo Kim, Joey Li and Ada Chaeli van der Zijp-Tan deservedly can wear a broad smile for their achievements.

These math team members at Discovery Middle School ranked in second place nationally in the “2013 4×4 Ciphering Time Trials,” sponsored by National Assessment & Testing.

Throughout the year, National Assessment administers high-level mathematics competitions that students, supervised by teachers, can complete at school and submit by mail.

“Their contests cover various formats, including individual and team tests, in different difficulty levels from an easier 100 problems in 30 minutes to more complicated 15 problems in one week,” math teacher and sponsor Julie Goldston said.

The ‘4×4’ competition is so named for students working in groups of four. As a group, students answer ten sets of four problems, with only three minutes per set.

“The problems are very difficult,” Goldston said. “All students take the same test, so eighth-graders are attempting to solve the same problems as seniors.”

“The 4×4 competition supports our instructional model for learning in Madison City Schools as students work in collaborative groups to solve high-school level math problems,” Discovery instructional partner Jackie Flowers said.

“The students have worked very hard and have put a significant amount of time into their learning to prepare for competitions. We’re so proud of our Discovery Math Team and their coach, Julie Goldston,” Flowers said. “Congratulations to you all, as well as students and coaches from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools.”

Both Madison high schools were in the Top 25. (Middle schools weren’t eligible.) James Clemens captured 17th place in the nation with a score of 98.

“Bob Jones Math Team placed 18th in the nation in the 4×4” with a score of 96, math coach and teacher Kimberly Cox said. “This year’s team continues to hold the record of being the first Bob Jones team to place nationally in every contest hosted by National Assessment.”

For more information, visit natassessment.com.