th program often perform poorly on the math sections of these tests despite having a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics, because of time constraints and computation errors.
We are also going through a transitional period with the advent of a new curriculum where the vast majority of parents are not equipped to help students in a way that is consistent with what is being taught in the classroom. How can a parent help?
Like any curriculum, “New” math builds upon itself, so trying to help your child with what they are learning in 5th grade may be a little like trying to finish writing a novel that someone else started. You will need to go back and understand previous lessons to effectively communicate with your child. Better yet, start early with “New” math, when your child is still in kindergarten or first grade, and take time to understand how they are being taught. This doesn’t mean that you have to do every lesson that they learn, but a quick glance at homework and quizzes can make a big difference in the long run. And when you see something that looks utterly unfamiliar, take the time to figure out how and why your child is being taught that way. The Everyday Mathematics
books are very intuitive, and you might even learn something about math that you had previously taken for granted.
Most educators recognize that there are pros and cons to both curricula, but what is best for an individual student varies depending on that student’s needs and learning style. A parent’s best resource is their child’s teacher. If you still feel the need to supplement your child’s “New” math education with traditional math instruction, then it is highly advisable to do so with a professional tutor who will be able to effectively incorporate new methodology into your child’s existing understanding of mathematics.
JEFF SHARPE is the executive director of Vertex Academic Services in New York City. www.vertexacademic.com; (212) 573-0980.