Case study
Developing Student Agency Through Math
With Smartschool, Seminole County Public Schools helps 4th graders build stronger critical thinking skills and take ownership of their learning.
Overview
At Seminole County Public Schools, 4th Grade Math Teacher, Rashid Perkins, wants his students to learn that anyone can be a math person if they put in the work and effort. He chose Smartschool when looking for a tool that supports his teaching philosophy of hard work, responsibility, and teamwork.
The Challenge
Mr. Perkins did not like how most digital math programs felt like games. He noticed his students were more focused on winning and guessing quickly instead of practicing problem solving skills.
“I don’t want my students to think math is just about guessing answers, points, and prizes. I want them to learn to work hard, fix mistakes, and explain their thought process.” - Rashid Perkins, 4th Grade Math Teacher
Implementation
Mr. Perkins is one of the teachers who started using Smartschool in his classes.
Smartschool in the classroom
Independent Practice - AI tutor facilitates independent work while Mr. Perkins provides additional support to students falling behind
Small Group Intervention - AI tutor provides targeted feedback and support according to each students’ learning needs
Homework Support - to offer 24/7 support outside the classroom
Real Time Data - projected in class to encourage collaborative growth, fixing mistakes, and trying again
“I can leave my students with their AI tutor during independent practice and focus on the small group of students that need extra support. In the process, I see my students talking to each other, explaining the problem, or giving suggestions on what they can ask their AI tutor.” - Rashid Perkins, 4th Grade Math Teacher
Success Through Effort and Responsibility
Through math, Mr. Perkins’ students now understand that hard work and team work leads to success. With Smartschool’s AI tutor, like Yoko, they couldn’t just guess or skip ahead. They had to explain their steps, correct mistakes, and try again. Mr. Perkins also projected Smartschool’s real-time data on the board so students could see where the class was struggling. This turned math into a team effort, where students supported each other and celebrated growth together. Over time, they focused on the process, built confidence step by step, and started believing that they can be a “math person” if they put in the work.
“Smartschool helped my students see that nothing is handed to you,” said Mr. Perkins. “You have to work hard, and when you do, you get better.” - Rashid Perkin, 4th Grade Math Teacher
Results
38% Score Improvement Thanks to AI
Accountability - Students saw that their math effort contributed to the class’ overall growth
Ownership - Students started to take charge of their math learning and their work in general
Skills Building - Focus moved from winning games to building problem solving and critical thinking skills
Students began to take more ownership of their work. They corrected mistakes, explained their thinking, and asked Mr. Perkins for more Smartschool lessons. The focus shifted away from quick rewards and toward skill building and practicing better habits.
Rashid Perkins
4th Grade Math Teacher Seminole County Public Schools
Key Outcomes
38% Score Improvement Thanks to AI
Building Student Agency - Students started to take charge of their math learning
Developing Growth Mindset - Focus moved from games to skill building and problem solving
Stronger Critical Thinking - Students learned to correct mistakes and explain their thinking