Quick! Write the answers to these problems:

How many more vertices than faces does a rectangular prism have?

About how many miles is the same as 26,000 feet?

Which number sentence is correct:

a. 2/7 is greater than 3/5

b. 3/8 is greater than 3/7

c. 5/11 is less than 5/12

d. 5/11 is less than 6/11

These are just a few of the problems that third- and fourth-grade students at McLaurin Elementary have been practicing to prepare for the Mississippi Curriculum Test to be given in May. It’s not the math of yesteryear with which many parents out there may be familiar. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” is a quote from a movie classic which makes the point that times are changing.

These changes dictate a broader view of math in a world that has, according to author Tom Friedman, become flat.

These problems and many more like them will be a part of my school’s MCT Night from 5:30 to 7 on Wednesday. The cafeteria will be the setting for a move around math party. Students and their parents will move through six stations that will have sample problems to solve from the five math strands on the MCT. Tickets will be given to students for each problem that they answer correctly. One station will include a refreshment table where eating cookies will have precedence over solving math problems. At the end of each third- and fourth-grade session all tickets will go into a big bowl and a drawing will be held for a chance to win one of 10 Wal-Mart gift cards.

Reading stations will also be set-up. The same rotation schedule will be organized for parents and students to participate. Reading /language arts skills will be thoroughly discussed in each station. Prizes will also be given to the participants.

McLaurin Elementary is going all out for the MCT. I like to compare my school’s push for the best test scores possible to the workplace philosophy of the automobile giant known to the world as Toyota. This mindset is called Kansei, and it means continuous, constant improvement while keeping your mind on the big picture and eschewing the blaming of others for past failures. Toyota’s success story is well documented. McLaurin’s form of Kansei can be successful because our school and our parents are building a history of working together to benefit the children in our care.

All of our parents and students need to come to school and participate on MCT night. The evening will enlighten all who are present and will be fun at the same time. You will not want to miss it. All of us at McLaurin Elementary hope to see you Wednesday.

Mary Ann DOWNS is a teacher at McLaurin Elementary.