Erik Collins is the principal of Coolidge Elementary in Coolidge, Arizona. Last year the kids at the school were some of the worst in the state when it came to math tests. Erik was frustrated and so were the teachers. The kids could do much better if only they would apply themselves.
Erik decided to offer the kids a math challenge. ABC 15 reports it was a million math problems. There's about 700 students which means each student would have to do almost 1500 equations. A computer created grade appropriate equations and the kids couldn't move on till they successfully solved their current problem.
Erik made the announcement before the Christmas break and said they had til they returned to complete their task. Which would help keep them engaged during their nearly 2 weeks off. If they were successful he would sleep on the roof of the school. The kids loved the idea that they could force him to sleep on the roof!
Last week Erik fulfilled his promise to sleep on the roof of the school. From the video it looks like he didn't have a very restful evening. But the kids loved getting off the bus to see him waving at them from up there!
Teachers say that since the Christmas break all students have improved in math showing that his creative idea and commitment have paid off.