Math has not changed in the past 30 years, but the way we teach math has.   In the words of Maya Angelou, "I did then what I knew best, when I knew better, I did better."  Just like many other fields, such as medicine, math education has evolved over the years.  Since we know so much more about how students learn, we can improve on the way  we used to teach math.  Think about it like this, would you want to visit a doctor who was still practicing medicine like he/she did in the last century?

In District 6, we are excited to work with you and your child to build a love of math learning.  Our number one goal is to help our students see themselves as mathematical thinkers who see value in learning math.  We also want our students to see that math is everywhere!  To do this, our curriculum will be taught so that it builds on previous understanding and prepares student for future math learning.  We also want to show students how math is used in the real world.   Here are some resources that you might find helpful.

K - 5th Grade Family Friendly Math Standards

6th - 8th Grade Family Friendly Math Standards

9th - 12th Grade Family Friendly Math Standards

No matter your child's age or grade, here are some things you can do to help your child:

• read any math information sent home from your child's teacher

• ask your child's teacher for help or more information when you are unsure

• allow your child to submit incomplete homework if he/she struggles

• reinforce the teacher's methods, not teach your child math the way you learned it

• speak positively about math around and in front of your child

• keep an open mind about the strategies your child is using

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful.

7 Ways to Help Your Kids with Math Homework Math is Everywhere!

Adding Parents to the Equation Facebook Group

Some people believe that their intelligence is more or less fixed in math – that you can do math or you can’t.   About 40% of students have these damaging “fixed mindset” ideas. Another 40% have a “growth mindset” – they believe that they can learn anything and that their intelligence can grow.  The other 20% waver between the two mindsets.   Students with a fixed mindset are those who are more likely to give up easily, whereas students with a growth mindset are those who keep going even when work is hard, and who are persistent.  It IS possible to change mindsets, so please check out some of the resources below so you can help to foster a growth mindset in your child.

Three Ways to a Growth Mindset Video

Parents Guide to a Growth Mindset Printable

Carol Dweck Video - A Study on Praise and Mindsets

Growth Mindset for Parents Online Course

Developing a Growth Mindset - 5 Tips for Parents Article

With Math I Can Video

ClassDojo Growth Mindset Video Series for Kids