University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP)

UMTYMP currently uses a combination of online homework (which students rework until it is correct) and written homework. Current UMTYMP students self-report that they spend 6-8 hours on homework each week, and all measures of student learning have remained consistent through this change of approach.

A successful UMTYMP candidate:

• Likes math
• Wants a challenge
• Is willing to work hard to learn new material
• Generally, they don't need as much repetition of each new concept as students in standard math courses
• Are mathematically advanced enough to handle a more rigorous Calculus course than the traditional offerings, and can succeed in Calculus as a ninth or tenth grader — or earlier!

Beyond an aptitude for mathematics, there is no defining characteristic of UMTYMP students. Our classrooms are microcosms of a typical middle- or high-school class. We have students who are entirely focused on math and science, but also students involved in sports, theater, and every other activity you can think of.

In the high school component, the most notable difference from standard offerings is in the pace. Students frequently cover a chapter of a textbook per week. Teachers discuss the main concepts and examples in class, but students are expected to work through a great deal of material on their own. Rather than memorizing formulas, UMTYMP students learn overarching concepts so they can apply them in novel contexts.

In the calculus component, the emphasis shifts to problem solving, collaboration, and communication of mathematics. Half of each class is devoted to students working together in small groups, and each homework assignment includes a problem graded for both mathematical correctness and mathematical writing.

Our office is happy to talk to any school or district about how to handle UMTYMP students, but ultimately the decision is up to them. Schools and districts can also choose how to record or weight UMTYMP courses on a student's transcript. In our experience, this varies widely by district.

Most schools replace the math courses in UMTYMP students' schedules with an hour in the media center (or other room) where they can work on their UMTYMP homework. Some of our older students take an additional class instead, and complete their UMTYMP assignments at home. While there is no need for them to take math courses at their school, many are involved in math clubs or math teams at their schools.

Minnesota Statute 120B.14 ensures that students at public schools receive credit towards high school graduation for successful completion of UMTYMP courses. The statute does not apply to private schools, but most of them take the same approach as public schools. Some may require their students to take additional mathematics electives at their own school; in general, an UMTYMP student should never have to retake calculus or any other course taken through the program.

Students who complete the entire UMTYMP sequence typically move on to take advanced undergraduate level courses at the University or another college. At the University of Minnesota, UMTYMP graduates can proceed directly to 4000- or 5000-level courses as undergraduates.

UMTYMP alumni who are still in high school can take courses through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. They can also take UMTYMP Advanced Topics courses with other UMTYMP graduates; these are typically offered once per year. Eligible students are emailed of these opportunities as they arise, but can also contact the office for information.