PARENT RESOURCES FOR MATH DURING SCHOOL CLOSURES

ABOUT COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS

The way we taught students in the past simply does not prepare them for the higher demands of college and careers today and in the future. Your school and schools throughout the country are working to improve teaching and learning to ensure that all children will graduate high school with the skills they need to be successful.

In mathematics, this means three major changes. Teachers will concentrate on teaching a more focused set of major math concepts and skills. This will allow students time to master important ideas and skills in a more organized way throughout the year and from one grade to the next. It will also call for teachers to use rich and challenging math content and to engage students in solving real-world problems in order to inspire greater interest in mathematics.

Here's an example of the kind of problem an 8th grade student will encounter:

The new mathematics program will require higher-level thinking and communication and may be a stretch for students initially. Assignments and projects that students complete may look different as well. Please know that we firmly believe our students are capable of meeting this challenge and will grow to new heights. We will stand by our commitment to ensure the highest quality mathematics education for your child, and will continue to do all that we can to support his/her growth.

ASK YOUR CHILDREN QUESTIONS

These questions will help you keep the conversation and learning going as you explore mathematics with your child. They promote thinking and further learning.

What do you suppose would happen if?

What will you do next?

Why do you think that?

How can we do this differently?

Do you have any ideas about how we might begin?

KEEP IT POSITIVE

Be positive! If you have a negative attitude about mathematics, chances are your child will too. Help your child have a “can do” attitude by praising your child’s efforts as well as her accomplishments. Acknowledge the facts that mathematics can be challenging at times and that persistence and hard work are the keys to success. Relate mathematics learning to other endeavors that require hard work and persistence, such as playing a sport. Struggling at times in mathematics is normal and is actually necessary to, and valuable in, understanding mathematics.

For more information on the Common Core State Standards for mathematics, go to http://www.corestandards.org/about- the-standards/key-points-in-mathematics.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Figure This! Math Challenges for Families, NCTM
• Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics, U.S. Department of Education

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