Math Hotline

For many students math is a perplexing and frustrating subject.. That is especially true for Middle School students tackling Algebra for the first time.

But as Bill Ratliff reports in "Assignment: Education".. For students in Tampa and Hillsborough County.. he answers to their math questions could be close to them as their TV set.

--[ Instructor Ardeth Arnold says:] "Welcome to Mathematics Homework Hotline. I'm Ardeth Arnold and I teach at Wilson Middle School.."--

And so begins another night of the mathematics homework hotline on the Education Channel in Hillsborough County. In it's fourth year, the hotline is targeted at middle school students. The marketing director for the Education Channel.. Michelle Smith.

--[Michelle smith says:] "That's when they start with complex math. They start with Algebra, and parents sometimes.. unless they're into math or have done it recently.. they don't exactly remember how to do it."--

--[Instructor Hanna Hanna says:] "This question is from Megan. Megan, are you there?" [Caller says:] "Yes, I'm here." [Hanna says:] "How are you today?" [Caller says:] "Fine." [Hanna says:] "Here's your equation."--

For one-hour every Wednesday.. six to seven-pm.. two Hillsborough County teachers workout math problems.. on camera.. for students who call into the Education Channel.

But the phones are actually open from four until nine-pm.

--[Teacher Baretta Wilson says:] "Hello, Mathematics Homework Hotline.. How're you doing?"--

Baretta Wilson is one of four teachers who work for the hotline. On this night, she is taking calls behind the scenes. She says the 50-to-60 calls they receive each night come from a variety of students.

--[Baretta Wilson says:] "Basically we have some who don't know the concept who are really learning it. Then we have some who.. that have gotten a brain teaser.. who really want help with problem solving." [Instructor Arnold says:] "So what is the square of 111-thousand-111? You'll be surprised when you seen the answer."--

As would many parents.. And that's why there's a Mathematics Homework Hotline.
You can reach the hotline on Wednesdays by calling 254-2253.

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