Parent Cheat Sheet for "New" Math (Free Printable)
Raise your hand if you've ever been frustrated trying to help your child with math.
Math homework looks a lot different today than it did when we were in school—and it's not just about Common
Core.
No, it's not your imagination. Math today is more complex. It challenges kids to look at the same problem from
many different angles, rather than getting the answer and calling it a day. And sometimes, yes, it IS harder than
our homework was!
Today, kids as young as kindergartners are already being introduced to college-level concepts,
such as Algebra and Mathematical Modeling, on a simplified level.
Why?
Much of the difference has to do with preparing students for their future, not our present.
Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills for an Ever-Changing World
In our day, math education focused on rules, like 5 x 5 = 25, that never change.
Today, we know that our world is constantly changing. And math education teaches kids to look forward—to
learn not just static rules, but flexible thinking and models they can use, change and improve in order to solve
real-world problems.
In the future, our children will use spreadsheets, phones, and new technologies we haven’t even imagined yet,
when they need to do calculations. They won’t use stone tablets, an abacus, or a slide rule. Even calculators
are becoming obsolete. (When was the last time you used an actual calculator, instead of your phone?)
Our children’s careers will look very different in the future, as well.
"65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up
working in completely new job types that don't yet exist,"
according to the World Economic Forum.
Today's math education is designed to help students think creatively, flexibly, and logically,
and to grow into confident and successful innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
Looking for More Math Help?
Sylvan math tutors to the rescue!
If your child is struggling with math and could use math help, you're not alone: Sylvan delivers results. Our students typically see up to 2X more growth in math scores than their peers.
With our personalized math tutoring, your son or daughter will master the skills to get back on track and build confidence and self-esteem. And all of that leads to bigger success in the classroom, during homework time and in life.
You'll find Personalized Math Tutoring at all our Sylvan centers, and our hourly pricing is very competitive with local tutors. So yes, you can get the best math help for your family!