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Build Student Confidence + Positive Attitude = Math Success

Top 5 Parent Tips to Increase Students' Math Success and Overcome the Math Challenges Highlighted in "The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics 2009"

(Baltimore, MD, October 15, 2009) – The just-released The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics 2009 from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that little more than a third of American 4th and 8th grade students performed at the "proficient" level in mathematics for their grade levels. Equally alarming was the finding that there was "no significant change in the performance of the nation's 4th graders in mathematics from 2007 to 2009" – the first time ever such stagnation occurred in the almost 20 years since the national test was first administered in 1990. NAEP officials who administered The Report Card expressed dismay with the findings and called for "dramatic changes" in K-12 education, in addition to an examination of topics from teacher training to mathematics curricula and standards.

While education officials evaluate big picture mathematics policy and instructional issues for our nation, parents can act now to become vocal mathematics champions for their children. Parents can use many of the techniques that NAEP officials suggest schools employ -- building student confidence, using web-based instructional tools -- right now, with their own children. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers their top five math tips that parents can begin using right now to help their children conquer math.

Tip 1: Strengthen Core Skills - Success in math requires a strong mathematical foundation. If a student does not fully grasp a core math concept, this is likely to create difficulties going forward. As a parent, practice the fundamental math skills with your children and work with them to become better problem solvers. Practicing math skills creates fluency with the subject and provides a strong foundation for success. If your child is struggling in math, talk to your child's math teacher to learn about extra help and other available school resources.

Tip 2: Leverage Technology - Technology should support math instruction, and today's "Net Gen" students find technology-infused instruction especially engaging, helping them gain an understanding of the underlying reasoning and computations used in problem-solving. According to research from Ohio State University's Center for Cognitive Science, math technology and how-to instructional videos allow students to "come to the understanding themselves using their critical thinking skills instead of relying on memorization."

Tip 3: Instill Math Confidence in Your Children - Praise your children's academic progress. Tell them that you are proud of their math efforts even when they struggle. When students are confident in their abilities, they enjoy learning. That love of learning leads to a willingness to try new, academic experiences.

Tip 4: Make Real-World Connections - There are many opportunities for parents to make math connections to everyday life – and help students to see the value of math. Think of tasks that you do every day that can be "teachable math moments." Cutting slices of pizza can help teach young students fractions, for example. But, this technique is equally important for older students. In fact, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recently released a new report recommending that high school mathematics instruction center on "reasoning and sense-making." So, talk to your teenager about the geometry of his room when you're rearranging his furniture, or get him to help you calculate the tip you should leave for your restaurant dinner tab.

Tip 5: Encourage Your Child to Take Math – Early and Often - Many students don't take math classes beyond their school's minimum requirements, even though math offers critical learning skills that are needed throughout life. Children should take algebra early in their educational careers if they have mastered the foundational skills. Students who do not take courses covering algebraic concepts early, risk missing important opportunities for growth. By the end of junior and senior years, students who have not planned ahead have fewer class options and may not be able to complete college prerequisite courses. This can restrict a student's post-secondary educational options and career alternatives.

As you embark on this journey to help your child conquer mathematics, take a minute to ask yourself, do I use the phrase, "I'm not a math person"? If the answer is yes, don't worry, help is one the way. "Math phobic" parents can take advantage of Sylvan's free "Forgotten Math for Parents" seminar, a fun and interactive 90-minute session that helps parents overcome their math fears - so homework time with their children isn't quite so scary. Led by Sylvan instructors, it's a fun way to "freshen up" on fractions and other math skills.

And, while working with your child during math homework time, use www.SylvanMathPrep.com, an online math resource for students in grades 7-12 that provides students with on-the-spot math homework assistance. Created by educators, SylvanMathPrep.com delivers more than 2,000 instructor-led videos covering 750 lessons in Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and math test preparation programs for the SAT and ACT. A powerful search function enables students to search by concept, keyword and textbook (for a majority of U.S. middle and high school math textbooks). Each lesson also includes sample problems, summary notes, a quiz, a worksheet, and a deep thought question – to help strengthen those all-important core skills. Additionally, parents can utilize the video math lessons to work with their children to recall "forgotten" math concepts so students are ready to tackle math throughout the school year.

For additional math resources and information concerning how you and your child can master math together, visit the "Math" area of www.SylvanLearning.com or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.

About Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. Sylvan Learning is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009 and has nearly 1,100 centers located throughout North America. Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan's trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform unique kids into uniquely inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.SylvanLearning.com. Visit www.DrRickBlog.com to share your personal academic experiences and comment on educational trends.

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Gaegler, Sylvan Learning Center
(410) 843-8928
jennifer.gaegler@sylvanlearning.com