Class and Homework Related FAQ

-What do Ready Set and Go mean on the modules?

The Ready are problems students will need for subsequent lessons. Some of these will be topics students are familiar with and others will be new. The Set are the problems related to that day’s lesson and are meant to strengthen what students learned in class that day. The Go are the problems that students should be familiar with and able to do with less help.

-How much time should a student expect to spend each night on homework?

For Math 1: 20-30 minutes

For Math 2: 30-45 minutes

For Math 3: 45-60 minutes

-My child doesn't take good notes and I can't find any helpful information about how to do homework problems in the handouts, what should we do?

First, we would suggest that your student talk to their teacher and come up with a plan for how the student can learn to take better notes. Remember, your student is not just learning math. They are also learning how to be a student and taking good notes is a skill they will need in “real life.”

Second, we would suggest that your student attend math tutoring on Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm so that they can ask questions to improve their notes.

Third, we would encourage your student to compare notes with a classmate. Seeing what someone else has written is a great way to fill in the gaps and learn how to take better notes.

As a last resort, we have created formal notes and videos with handwritten notes for students to view. These resources are NOT a replacement for the in class lessons. They are meant to act as a summary so they do not explore the topics in depth the way students do in class.

-My child has missed some school days, how can they catch up?

First, they need to talk to their teacher about what they expect from students when they miss class. Often this information is included in the course syllabus that teachers hand out at the beginning of the year.

Second, we would encourage your student to get the notes they missed from the teacher or a classmate. Ideally your student would get the notes from a classmate and have the classmate explain the notes. This benefits both students and then will allow your student to figure out what questions they still have. Then they can go to tutoring to ask these targeted questions.

Third, we would suggest that your student attend math tutoring on Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm so that they can ask questions about the material they missed.

-My child is struggling, what should I do?

First, we would suggest that your student talk to their teacher and come up with a plan. Students struggle for different reasons. Maybe your student is not taking great notes, or not doing the homework, or making careless mistakes. Remember, your student is not just learning math, they are also learning how to learn.

Second, we would encourage your student to compare their notes with a classmate and discuss them. This benefits both students and then will allow your student to figure out what questions they still have. Then they can go to tutoring to ask these targeted questions.

Third,we would suggest that your student attend math tutoring on Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm so that they can ask questions about the material they missed.

-What are the warning signs that my child is not on track and when and how should I step in to try and help?

First, be a part of their learning without being their teacher. Ask to see their homework and have them explain something from the homework to you. Ask to see their notes or their planner where they write down the homework.

Then keep an eye on Illuminate. If the grades do not look good, ask your student what is happening and insist they talk to their teacher. Discuss with your student exactly what they should ask their teacher. Then ask what plan their teacher and they came up with and help your student follow that plan. Often the plan will include going to tutoring either with the teacher or to our math department tutoring. Asking them how tutoring is going and when their next test or quiz may also be helpful. Remember the goal here is not an A. It is understanding. So the more you can focus on how well your student is understanding the material instead of on a specific grade the better.

If after these various interventions you still do not think your student’s understanding of the material is deep enough, contact their teacher so that the plan can be updated.

-Do all teachers grade the same way?

No. Math teachers discuss grading policies and our goal is to be as aligned as possible, but ultimately individual teachers grade as they prefer.

-Do teachers give the same tests?

The module quizzes, tests, and projects that teachers give are often similar but not exactly the same. There are common semester final exams in Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3 that all teachers give to their students (not all teachers count the results of the final exam the same way in their grades, however).

-Why doesn’t my student’s teacher answer their questions sometimes?

Sometimes students ask questions that will get answered in the next lesson so answering them in that moment will “steal the punch line” for the next day. Other times, teachers want students to really wrestle with an idea. Always answering the questions students have can create a situation where students no longer rely on their own ability to struggle and succeed.

-My child is having problems with her math teacher, what should she do?

The first suggestion is to talk with the teacher. Perhaps arrange a parent conference or a meeting with the student and counselor. This situation really depends on what type of problems are occurring. Does the student need extra help? Tutoring is a great option. Does the student have questions about their grades? Meeting with the teacher to ask those questions should be helpful.

-I/my child has tried emailing my teacher and they haven't gotten back to us. What should I do?

Give the teacher at least 48 hours to respond on a weekday. Then try emailing again. If there is still no response, then reach out to the department chairs.

-Can you give some general advice as to what a student should do to succeed in math?

In addition to the suggestions already made above, it is important that students attend class every day and complete the classwork and homework assignments. As questions arise they should ask the teacher, their classmates, or attend tutoring.

Students are encouraged to look over their notes everyday to make sure that they are comfortable with the material and to help with their homework. It is also suggested that students find two or three classmates whom they are comfortable contacting with questions as it may be helpful to be tapped into a community when it comes to learning math.

-What is the difference between advanced math and regular math?

Advanced Math accelerates through our Math 1, 2, 3 sequence. By the end of Advanced Math 2 students will be at least half way through our Math 3 text. Then in Advanced Math 3 they will cover the remainder of the topics covered in Math 3 and then learn all the necessary topics to prepare them for Calculus BC should they choose to take that course their senior year. More information is available on the Course Progression page.