Harvard Elementary School, HISD Magnet and Vanguard School









Iva Huff Harvard Math Specialist Receives Award and Special Recognition Our math lab is run by Mrs. Huff, a district-recognized Math Master Teacher. Activities in her lab concentrate on making math practical and fun.

Mathematics is used to understand and interpret our world. In the global economy of the 21st century, those who can understand and apply mathematics have more opportunities to achieve success in higher education, the world of work, and life. HISD high school graduation requirements include 4 credits in mathematics, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and two additional math courses such as Algebra 2, precalculus, and/or statistics.

After the lesson introduction, students are challenged with a task in a small group setting, utilizing manipulatives which convey the concept in a concrete manner.

Parents need to monitor their children’s progress in math to make sure they are taking the most challenging courses. Parents can “chart a path” for their students that will get them to the level they need to achieve by the end of Grade 12.

Everyone cheers for Classroom Jeopardy. Ms.
Huff taught fourth grade for twelve years and began to hear about math labs in other schools. Eight years ago, her dream became a reality. This year, some 4th and 5th graders will exercise the ‘Number Sense’ shortcuts they are learning now at the HISD IMPACT II Mental Math Competition in May.

Comprehensive Curriculum
Harvard's curriculum is extensive, covering topics ranging from simple counting for preschoolers, to decimals, fractions, and division etc. for higher grade elementary school children.

Mastery of Math Fundimentals
Harvard's Curriculum introduces math topics in a variety of creative and challenging ways so as to achieve mastery of the fundimentals.

Problem Solving
Each lesson cycle begins with problem-solving in a whole-class format. Harvard's curriculum provides extensive problem solving assignments that enrich your child's learning experience, resulting in a thorough and deep understanding of the concepts. After the problem-solving session, students practice their skills in a new application with feedback from the specialist.