TV MATH SHOW FOR CHILDREN RECEIVES FUND COMMITMENT

WASHINGTON — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has committed about $3 million to a new daily television show to help 8- to 10-year-olds develop a mania for math.

The broadcast, scheduled to debut in the fall 1986 or January, 1987, is designed to make kids enthusiastic about math concepts and problem-solving strategies. It will run in an after-school time slot.

The corporation, which distributes federal money for educational broadcasting, said it will give Children’s Television Workshop up to $3 million to produce the series. Federal agencies, foundations and major corporations are being asked for an additional $11 million.

Joan Ganz Cooney, president of CTW, said, “Our research indicates that young children begin to lose their enthusiasm for math in the upper elementary grades. This series, addressing children at a critical stage in their learning, will promote interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics by presenting sound educational content in an interesting, accessible and meaningful manner.”