Burns McDonnell Pledge to KC Math Program: Facts

Yes, Burns & McDonnell has pledged financial support to a Kansas City math program, specifically to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and its partnership with local school districts. The engineering firm committed $1 million over five years to expand math tutoring and teacher training in Kansas City Public Schools, focusing on middle school students. This article explains the pledge, the program it supports, and what it means for the community.

Background: The Pledge and Its Context

Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City-based engineering and construction firm, announced in 2023 a $1 million pledge to support math education in Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS). The pledge is spread over five years, providing $200,000 annually. The funding goes to the UMKC School of Education’s math tutoring program, which places trained tutors in KCPS middle schools. The goal is to improve math proficiency among students who are behind grade level, a need highlighted by post-pandemic learning loss data.

The pledge is part of a broader corporate trend of STEM companies investing in local education, particularly in math and science, to build a future workforce. Burns & McDonnell has a history of supporting education in Kansas City, but this specific pledge is notable for its size and focus on a single subject.

How the Program Works

The math program, run by UMKC, follows a structured tutoring model:

• Tutor selection: UMKC education students and recent graduates are recruited as tutors, often those pursuing teaching degrees.
• Training: Tutors receive training in evidence-based math instruction, including how to diagnose student misconceptions and provide targeted practice.
• Placement: Tutors are placed in KCPS middle schools (grades 6-8), working with small groups of 3-5 students during the school day.
• Curriculum: The program uses a mix of district curriculum and supplemental materials, focusing on foundational skills like fractions, ratios, and equations.
• Duration: Students typically receive two to three 30-minute sessions per week for the entire school year.
• Progress monitoring: Tutors track student progress with regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed.

The program also includes a teacher training component, where KCPS math teachers receive professional development from UMKC faculty on evidence-based instructional strategies.

Why Math Proficiency Matters

Math proficiency in middle school is a strong predictor of high school graduation and college readiness. Students who struggle with math in 8th grade are less likely to take advanced math courses in high school, which can limit college and career options. In Kansas City, math proficiency rates have been below state averages for years, with only about 20-30% of KCPS 8th graders scoring proficient on state tests. The pandemic widened these gaps, particularly for low-income and minority students. Programs like this aim to close those gaps by providing targeted, small-group instruction that is often unavailable in crowded classrooms.

How to Choose a Math Tutoring Program

If you’re a parent or educator looking for a math tutoring program, consider these factors:

• Evidence base: Look for programs that use research-backed methods, such as explicit instruction, guided practice, and regular assessment.
• Group size: Smaller groups (1-5 students) are more effective than larger ones, as they allow for individualized attention.
• Tutor qualifications: Tutors should have training in math content and pedagogy, not just subject knowledge.
• Frequency and duration: At least two sessions per week for a full semester is generally needed to see meaningful gains.
• Alignment with school curriculum: The tutoring should reinforce what is being taught in class, not introduce a completely different approach.
• Progress measurement: The program should use pre- and post-assessments to measure student growth.

For the UMKC program specifically, these factors are all addressed, which is likely why Burns & McDonnell chose to fund it.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Burns & McDonnell pledge directly funds a new curriculum or technology. In reality, it funds personnel—tutors and teacher training—which is often more effective than buying software. Another issue is that some parents might think the program is only for struggling students, but it also benefits students who are on grade level but need enrichment. A frequent problem with such programs is sustainability: when the pledge ends, will the program continue? UMKC and KCPS are working to integrate the tutoring model into their regular budgets, but future funding is not guaranteed. Additionally, there is a misconception that the pledge is a one-time donation; it’s a five-year commitment, which allows for long-term planning.

Comparisons with Other Education Pledges

Burns & McDonnell’s pledge is larger than many corporate education donations, which often range from $10,000 to $100,000. For comparison, the Hall Family Foundation has given millions to Kansas City education initiatives, but those are often broader in scope. The Burns & McDonnell pledge is unique in its focus on a single subject (math) and its partnership with a university. Other companies like Cerner (now Oracle Health) have funded STEM programs, but often in the form of equipment or scholarships. The direct tutoring model is relatively rare among corporate pledges, making this a distinctive investment.

Costs and Value of the Program

The $1 million pledge covers the salary of about 10-15 part-time tutors per year, plus training materials and administrative costs. The value to the community is potentially much higher. Improved math proficiency can lead to higher graduation rates, better job prospects, and reduced need for remedial courses in college. A rough calculation: if the program helps 500 students per year, the cost per student is about $400 annually, which is competitive with commercial tutoring services that charge $30-$50 per hour. The program’s value is not just in test scores; it also provides teaching experience for UMKC students, which helps address the teacher shortage.

Safety and Accuracy of the Program

There are no safety concerns with a math tutoring program, but accuracy is crucial. The program uses assessments that are aligned with state standards, and tutors are trained to avoid common instructional errors, such as teaching shortcuts without conceptual understanding. Parents should be aware that the program does not replace classroom instruction but supplements it. The UMKC program has a data-sharing agreement with KCPS to monitor student progress, ensuring that tutors are effective and that students are not falling further behind. If a student is not improving, the program can adjust or recommend additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Burns & McDonnell pledge a one-time donation?

No, it is a $1 million commitment spread over five years, providing $200,000 annually. This allows the program to plan long-term and hire consistent staff.

Which schools benefit from this math program?

The program targets Kansas City Public Schools middle schools, specifically those with the lowest math proficiency rates. The exact list of schools can change each year based on need.

How can I get my child into the tutoring program?

Contact your child’s school or the UMKC School of Education. Usually, teachers recommend students who are behind grade level, but parents can also request an assessment.

Does the program only help struggling students?

Primarily yes, but it also serves students who are on grade level but want to strengthen their skills. The focus is on middle school math, which is a critical transition period.

Will the program continue after the pledge ends?

UMKC and KCPS are working to sustain the program through other funding sources, but it’s not guaranteed. The hope is that the success of the program will attract additional donors.

How can other companies make similar pledges?

Companies can partner with local universities and school districts to identify evidence-based programs that align with their corporate values. The key is to fund personnel and training, not just technology.

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in t | Years of pledge | years | 5 | 1 | 10
in a | Annual amount ($) | $ | 200000 | 1000 | 10000000
out total | Total pledge ($) | $ | t * a | 0