The goal of this project is to increase student proficiency in math fact fluency across all four operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—by implementing a schoolwide incentive and recognition program that motivates students to practice consistently, celebrate individual growth, and achieve mastery. Through engaging incentives, milestone celebrations, and positive reinforcement, students will build automaticity with basic math facts, strengthen number sense, and develop the confidence needed to succeed in higher-level mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
To strengthen students' mathematical fluency and confidence, our school will continue to implement a schoolwide Math Fact Fluency Incentive Program designed to motivate students while building automaticity with basic math facts. Before attempting a fluency assessment, students must first demonstrate proficiency and conceptual understanding of the targeted operation to their classroom teacher through daily instruction, guided practice, and classroom activities. Once a teacher determines that a student is ready, the student may participate in the Bi-weekly fluency assessment.
Eligible students will have the opportunity to take a Math Fact Fluency Test focused on one operation: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. These assessments measure students' ability to accurately and efficiently recall basic math facts. Students who successfully demonstrate mastery of an operation will be recognized and celebrated by earning a collectible plush shark keychain representing that achievement. These shark keychains serve as a visible celebration of students' hard work and perseverance while encouraging continued progress toward mastering all four operations.
After students have earned all four operation-specific shark keychains, they become eligible to take the Sharks Mixed Fact Fluency Test. This cumulative assessment requires students to demonstrate automaticity across addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division within a single mixed-operation test. Successfully passing the mixed fact assessment signifies complete mastery of foundational math facts and prepares students for more advanced mathematical thinking.
Students who earn all four operation keychains and successfully pass the mixed fact assessment will earn a NPE Spirit hat and qualify for the school's annual Math Fact Tournament. This highly anticipated event celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing math fact fluency. Tournament participants compete in a fun, engaging, bracket-style competition that challenges their speed, accuracy, and mathematical thinking while fostering school spirit and a love of mathematics. Students are recognized for their accomplishments during the event, creating a culture where academic achievement is celebrated and mathematical excellence is valued.
Through this multi-tiered recognition system, students are encouraged to set goals, persevere through challenges, and take pride in their mathematical growth. The combination of teacher-verified readiness, weekly mastery opportunities, meaningful incentives, and culminating celebrations helps build a positive schoolwide culture that promotes confidence, engagement, and long-term success in mathematics.
This initiative transforms math fact practice from a routine task into an engaging schoolwide experience that motivates students to strive for excellence. By combining teacher-verified readiness, structured fluency assessments, positive incentives, and public recognition, the program builds mathematical confidence, strengthens foundational skills, and fosters a culture where perseverance, growth, and academic achievement are celebrated. Ultimately, students become more fluent, more confident, and better prepared for success in both current and future mathematics coursework.
Grant funds will be used to purchase materials and recognition items that support the implementation of a schoolwide Math Fact Fluency Incentive Program designed to increase student engagement, motivation, and mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
The largest portion of the budget will be dedicated to plush shark keychains, which will serve as milestone awards for students who demonstrate mastery of each of the four math operations. These collectible incentives provide immediate positive reinforcement, encourage consistent practice, and motivate students to continue progressing toward fluency.
Funds will also be used to purchase trophies and recognition awards for students who qualify for and excel in the annual Math Fact Tournament. These awards celebrate exceptional dedication, perseverance, and mathematical achievement while helping establish a school culture that values academic excellence. Public recognition during the tournament encourages younger students to work toward future participation and reinforces the importance of setting and achieving challenging goals.
In addition, grant funds will support the purchase of Math Fact Spirit Hats and other recognition items that students can wear or display during the tournament and school celebrations. These items help create excitement around mathematics, foster school spirit, and provide students with lasting reminders of their accomplishments.
Additional funds may be used for program materials such as certificates, event supplies, testing materials, organizational storage, and other resources necessary to administer weekly fluency assessments and the culminating Math Fact Tournament efficiently.
