Yates HS teacher using coins to generate interest in math
Dr. Ralph Ross and some of his students
Students at HISD’s Yates High School are developing their math skills through the study of numismatics, or coin collecting.
Dr. Ralph Ross, a veteran educator who serves as the school’s Mathematics Department chair, created a coin club on campus and introduced the “Education Through Numismatics” curriculum as a result of the interest it generated.
“The study of money is a natural vehicle for multi-disciplinary instruction into art, culture, history, religion, politics, economics, and other disciplines,” said Dr. Ross, who has been collecting coins himself since the age of four. “The study of coins, currency, barter, medals, and tokens helps students understand the origins of our current world system.”
To motivate his classes, Dr. Ross began giving out Kennedy half dollars and Eisenhower dollars from his personal collection to students who made A’s on exams, and students who earn “commended” status on the mathematics section of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) received one-ounce silver-eagle coins from one of three Texas coin dealers who collaborate annually with the school.
“Most students have never seen these coins before, so we discuss the historical significance of these iconic figures,” said Dr. Ross. “This hands-on learning is fun and motivates students to broaden their knowledge in an unexpected methodology. Students who have continuously failed and had little success in school have become more engaged as a result.”
The increase in student engagement has been reflected in Yates’ performance data. At the end of the 2012–2013 school year, 96 percent of Dr. Ross’ students had passed the TAKS test. The school has also met the federal government’s Annual Yearly Progress requirements for two consecutive years, and for the first time ever, it received a rating of “distinction” in mathematics from the Texas Education Agency.
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Way to go Dr. Ross!!!!
Congratulations Dr. Ross. Your commitment to your students and the JY Lions Coin Club paid off.
An excellent teacher who has made a difference in the lives of so many students. This kind of commitment is often unheralded, but appreciated beyond words. Thank you Dr. Ross!