What should parents do?
Parents must ensure the Mathematics learning of the own Children
This may not be an easy responsibility to fulfill, but parents should not assume that the educational system will sufficiently provide for their children’s needs, even if their children get good grades in math.
How can parents fulfill this responsibility?
Parents can understand state standards and set learning goals for their children.
WA schools adhere to the math standards documents which are based on the NCTM standards and define expectations at all grade levels. These standards are vague, focus on constructivist pedagogy, and sometimes have nothing to do with math (see Bill Quirk’s analysis
Over the past several years every state has adopted new math standards, of widely varying quality. Where’s the Math? strongly endorses California’s standards, proven to raise math achievement. California’s standards have been widely acclaimed as the best in the US, world class, rigorous, coherent, and articulate expectations in clear and objective, grade specific terms.
Parents can study their children’s math texts.
The learning objectives should be kept in mind when reviewing a textbook. Parents can think about which learning objectives can be achieved by using the textbook and which will need extra experiences. In most of the "reform" math programs, texts are not used, making the task of identifying what is being taught in school and assessing your child’s progress, extremely difficult (see Curriculum Reviews).
Parents can promote learning at home.
Students need to spend sufficient time working on mathematics at home. They need a reasonable work environment and good study skills as well. They may need supplemental materials to study in order to meet their needs. Parents can follow their children’s progress carefully.
This means more than just looking at the grades that come home from school. Parents can watch their children do math to learn what they can and cannot do. Parents can give problems to their children to evaluate their progress. Test your child here by using California’s measurement of grade level.
Parents can find ways to get the extra help that might be required.
This may mean parents have to work with their children themselves, or encourage the teacher to provide supplemental instruction. Parents may enroll their children in an after school class or tutoring. Whatever might be required, it is up to parents to take the initiative to ensure that their children’s needs are satisfied.
Parents can help advocate for Rigorous college preparatory Mathematics programs in our schools
This too may not be an easy responsibility to fulfill, however parents should press WA State schools to provide their children the right to quality mathematics programs and instruction.
Parents can learn about the state math assessments (WASL) administered to their children.
Although the WASL is shrouded in secrecy, there is some information available to parents on the OSPI website. Any parent or legal guardian has the right to review their child’s performance and the actual test from the previous year. Parents may schedule a time for this review with the director of assessment at their local district office. Note: taking notes and photo copying is prohibited.
Parents can help educate their parent and school community.
Parents can share information with other parents informally and at PTSA meetings. Parents can share information by speaking and/or distributing literature at district wide school board meetings and local parent meetings.
Parents can make appeals to elected officials.
Parents need to write letters to their elected officials. (Find Your Legislators, Legislators’ Emails) Our elected representatives have a responsibility and a duty to be informed of their constituent’s experiences, concerns, suggestions and opinions regarding the public education of their children. And, most importantly, our elected officials have a duty to understand, support, and advocate for parents’ values and standards for their children’s education.
Parents can utilize the press to inform and advocate.
The press can be a valuable ally to parents as a means for the dissemination of information and perspectives to the larger parent community and the general public, and to hold the system accountable by helping to "persuade" education policy makers and elected officials to take seriously parents’ concerns and desires for improvement in the quality of their children’s education. Parents can submit letters to the editor or op-eds to local and citywide newspapers. Parents can contact news reporters and columnists with story ideas. Parents can join the efforts of Where’s the Math More Parent Advice Advice on Speaking with Your Child’s School Staff
Learn More:
http://www.mathematicallycorrect.com/
