BY RANDY McNUTT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
OXFORD -- Thirty-eight + Math Camp relief.
At least that's the hope of a group of ninth-graders from Cincinnati who failed the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test last school year.
Since July 27, the 38 students have attended Math Camp at Miami University. It will continue through Aug. 14, when they will retake a specially scheduled test at Taft High School in the West End.They will start classes there this year.
If they pass the test, they need not take it in October.
The camp's goal is to tutor the students in math so they will pass the test. Also, teachers want to instruct the kids in social skills and personal development to help them later in life.
"These kids are doing well, considering they hadn't had any advanced math when they took the test," said Wendi Wheeler, assistant camp director and a youth advocate at Taft High. "All of them failed the math proficiency by only a few points."
The state expects all students to pass an exam that includes algebra, geometry, critical thinking, graphs and charts.
"It's tough on them being away from home for three weeks," Ms. Wheeler said. "But they're adjusting, and learning. It's not easy. They have some work ahead of them yet."
What has helped, said Anthony Ramsey, 15, of downtown, are teachers who care and tasty burgers and fries in Miami's Martin Dining Hall. "I'll do anything to pass the proficiency test," he said. "We have enough homework every night."
Said Quenen Meadows, 14, also of downtown: "The camp is a great opportunity. We all want to pass."
Christina Ilsley, 14, of Westwood said she looks forward to pursuing the unfamiliar recreational activities offered in the afternoon, including golf. The students will take two weekend trips, one to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis.
Many of the students have never slept away from home. At Miami, they've learned about more than math -- peer pressure, leadership, conflict management and other issues.
The camp is operated by the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. The camp is supported by grants from area groups and Procter & Gamble Co.
Christina Ilsley, 14, of Westwood, left, and Maria Walker of Over-the-Rhine brush up on math at Miami University Math Camp this summer. They're prepping to retake the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test.
