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The math your child is doing in school probably looks very different from the math we did back 20-40 years ago. The problem with that is ALMOST ALL parents find it challenging to provide math help to their students at home.
Why did math change in California?
About 15 years ago, California (and some other states) implemented new standards in math for kids called Common Core. Instead of traditional repetition and rote memorization, the new focus is to provide many different strategies to approach math problems. In this way, students view numbers as more malleable and flexible, and can pick and choose the strategy that works best for them. The real life results, however, are often mixed.
What IS Common Core Math?
Take a look at the infographic below (Bearing News, Joy Park) to see the "old", traditional method in pink and one of several "new", Common Core strategies in green. Students may learn 4-5 strategies to approach long division, for example. But there is less instructional time spent on each strategy, and little to no time spent on memorizing basic math facts (like the 3 times table). Some students end up confused and mixing strategies or over relying on one strategy. However, by the time a student reaches middle and high school, the expectation is that they can quickly and easily complete math computations (which is often using the algorithmic or "traditional" method).
Results from California's "new" math
While the options are welcomed by some, there is now less instructional time spent on each strategy, and many students end up confused and mixing strategies or over relying on one strategy. Think of the way you commute to work--instead of memorizing the most direct route via the freeway, your director suddenly mandates you to learn and rotate through 4 different routes! (It’s marvelous on the one day the freeway is gridlocked, but you're likely to take a few wrong turns on a daily basis.) In addition, standardized test results have largely remained stagnant in the past two decades.
EdSource, Oct 2019: Slow growth, big disparities after 5 years of Smarter Balanced tests
CalMatters, Oct 2022: California student test scores plunge — but some achievement gaps narrow.
how do i provide math help to my child?
First, make sure you stay on top of your child's math instruction and understanding. Ask your student to bring home all graded math homework, quizzes, etc, and you should review them regularly to see what math concepts your child may be missing. It's important to go over any missed questions with your child. And if they don't fully understand a math concept or strategy, make sure you go over it in depth. Remember, math skills and understanding are cumulative. If they miss some fundamentals now, they'll have trouble later with advanced math.
Here are some additional resources to help you get started:
Study.com: Guide to Common Core Math for Parents
California Dept of Education: Mathematics Resources for Parents and Guardians
what if i don't have the time or skills to help my child with math?
Unless you are the rare Renaissance parent / extreme DIY-er who likes to raise their own proteins, generate your own electricity, and conduct your own surgeries, it's a good idea to look for support to lend you a hand…
If you have concerns about your child's math skills, we can provide customized math help. Our academic evaluation will test your student on a wide range of math skills and identify where their skill gaps are. We provide math help at your student's level and pace!
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