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Briarcliff Manor's Todd Elementary Is Exemplary School For Singapore Math

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. -- Todd Elementary School in Briarcliff Manor recently was selected to host Marshall Cavendish executives, who observed how the Singapore Math program and its digital component are used in the United States. 

Vivian Cheng, area director of Marshall Cavendish; Greg Soldatenko, general manager of East West Math, LLC; and Peng Yim Siew, CEO of Marshall Cavendish, recently visited Todd Elementary School to observe a fourth-grade mathematics class.

Vivian Cheng, area director of Marshall Cavendish; Greg Soldatenko, general manager of East West Math, LLC; and Peng Yim Siew, CEO of Marshall Cavendish, recently visited Todd Elementary School to observe a fourth-grade mathematics class.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Fourth-grade teachers Lorraine McDermott and Melissa Magliulo’s class hosted the visit Nov. 12. Visitors included Peng Yim Siew, CEO of Marshall Cavendish, who traveled from Singapore to observe the class, as well as Vivian Cheng, area director of Marshall Cavendish, and Greg Soldatenko, general manager of East West Math, LLC. 

Principal Nadine McDermott said the executives wanted to visit the school to learn about different strategies the teachers are using in class and implement those best practices in schools around the world. Although many elementary schools in the United States use the Singapore Math program in their curricula, Siew said he chose Todd Elementary School for his visit because he noticed the teaching of the material is consistent and allows students to think logically. 

“I heard it’s one of the best schools,” Siew said. “I see the kids are very interactive. Where I come from, you don’t see that. It’s very encouraging to see how the students think and learn.” 

Magliulo, who teaches special education, noted the class’s multimedia technology, Primary Digital, is used in conjunction with “Primary Mathematics” textbooks to enhance instruction. She said the technology allows teachers to differentiate for students based on their level and allows students to work at their own pace. 

According to math curriculum coordinator Cindy Yaeger, through the online component of the program, students can work on various math problems outside of the classroom. It also allows parents to view the textbooks online and see exactly how the teacher taught a specific lesson. 

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