Math can feel intimidating. In Ryan Smith’s classroom at Mount Rainier High School, something is shifting.
Lessons often begin with the class learning together. Students work through problems step by step, using notes that combine numbers and written explanations. From there, students move into small groups where they share their thinking and explain their understandings with peers.
For students, this approach creates space to slow down, ask questions and identify where they need support.
Hear from students about how literacy is helping them better understand math.
In this classroom, literacy is part of math learning. Students read problems carefully, write about their thinking and talk through their reasoning. These skills help them better understand math and stay engaged in the lesson.
This reflects a broader priority across Highline Public Schools. Literacy is part of learning in every subject, not just Language Arts. In math, literacy helps students understand ideas, explain their thinking and build confidence as problem solvers.