"Thomas Mayfield had a major problem to solve in his fifth-grade classroom.

"'I'm not good at adding. I don't know how to regroup or borrow. I'm not good at subtracting. Or I don't know my facts yet, and I'm a fifth-grader,' Mayfield's students used to tell him.

"The 42-year-old math teacher from Fort Worth, Texas, took their frustrations to heart. He knew it was important to try something new, especially because most of his students were also struggling outside of the classroom.

"'Single parent homes, incarcerated parents, low financial stability — a lot of that was going on,' he said.

"Mayfield teaches at Title I schools, where at least 40% of students are economically disadvantaged. He grew up going to these types of schools in Fort Worth, too.

"To reach students in a way that was familiar and inviting, he brought rap music to the classroom.

"'It's built confidence,' he said. 'It helps to build a less traumatic experience, and they feel like they're invited and welcomed into the classroom.'" - Mia Estrada

It worked brilliantly. Within one semester state scores rose and productivity went up. Kids started caring more about coming to school and attendance went up. Parents who had previously shied away from school events were really enthused about coming to their kid's performances. It worked so well that the practice was extended throughout the whole school system.

Article: After a Texas Teacher Saw His Students Struggling with Math, he Turned to Rap Music