Math in Focus™: The Singapore ApproachSingapore Math Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is "Singapore Math?"
Singapore Math is the generic name of the math syllabus that was created by the ministry of education in Singapore for use in Singapore schools in the 1980s. While Singapore's success has caused everyone to seek out "Singapore Math," there is currently no program available by this name.

2. What is Math in Focus?
Math in Focus™: The Singapore Approach is the U.S. edition of Singapore's top-ranking, research-based math curriculum, My Pals are Here! Maths, which is used by over 80% of the students in Singapore. Developed in partnership with Marshall Cavendish, Singaporean publisher of My Pals are Here! Maths, Great Source (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Math in Focus.

3. Who is Marshall Cavendish?
Marshall Cavendish Limited is a subsidiary of Times Publishing Ltd. and the publisher of the Singaporean edition, My Pals are Here! Maths, and the U.S. edition, Math in Focus.

4. What is My Pals are Here! Maths ?
My Pals Are Here! Maths, published by Marshall Cavendish, is the math series implemented in over 80% of Singapore schools. It is a comprehensive, activity-based primary mathematics program designed to give Grades 1–5 pupils a strong foundation in math. The core components adopt the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach in the presentation of mathematical concepts, skills, and problem-solving strategies. Math in Focus K–5 is the U.S. edition of this top-ranking, research-based program.

5. What is the TIMSS?
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. 4th- and 8th-grade students compared to that of students in other countries. TIMSS data showing Singapore as a top nation has been collected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007.

6. What does the data from the TIMSS reveal?
TIMSS data reflects that since 1995, Singapore has been a top-performing nation.