National test scores published in October show that students have fallen behind considerably in math across the country. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nation’s report card, tested a sample of 450,000 fourth and eighth graders in math and reading, and the results were astonishing. The drop in math scores were the steepest ever recorded on the exam, which dates to the early 1990s. The New York Times called it “the most definitive indictment yet of the pandemic’s impact on millions of schoolchildren.” Eighth graders’ math scores fell in all states but one, and fourth graders did only slightly better, with a decline in 41 states. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona called the results “appalling and unacceptable.”
This is, of course, distressing news on a national level, but parents also want to know what it means for their own kids. If your child is in elementary school, the results raise the question: “Is my child acquiring the math skills necessary to thrive in the older grades and reach their potential?” Because math concepts build on each other, the only way to do well in math throughout high school and beyond is to truly understand each concept before moving on to the next one. Many elementary students already have gaps in their learning. In order to develop a deep understanding of math and work toward becoming a high achiever, they may need the individual attention of a qualified, caring instructor outside of the classroom. This is where a math-learning program with a structured approach backed by a proven curriculum will be most effective.
If your child is in eighth grade or high school, the results are especially concerning because “eighth grade is that gateway to more advanced mathematical course taking,” said Peggy Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, the research arm of the Department of Education, which administers the exam. She went on to say that students entering high school may be missing foundational skills in algebra and geometry, which are critical in high school and for future careers in math and science.
The truth is, it’s often hard to know if your child is struggling in math or how much of an impact the pandemic has had on them. You may even have accepted that your child is just an “average” math student. But most students are capable of being good at math if they’re given the right kind of individual instruction. When they start believing this themselves, there’s no reason that they can’t achieve great things.
Mathnasium Learning Centers start every student off with an individual skills assessment. A customized learning plan is then created, detailing the specific type of math help the student needs. The instructors are passionate about math and well trained to encourage students to challenge and exercise their own minds. As comprehension increases, the child’s enthusiasm for math grows, and they develop confidence, not only in math but in all of their classes.
Mathnasium is also a great resource for students who already excel in math and could benefit from being challenged outside the classroom. They are able to expand their skills and master complex concepts, so they can reach higher math levels and unlock their true potential. Mathnasium shows them the doors that math mastery can open.
Multiple independent studies have shown that Mathnasium improves student performance on standards-based math tests in 20 sessions or fewer. And 90% of parents said they saw an improvement in their children’s grades after attending Mathnasium. Whether your child is struggling at math, wanting to jump ahead, needing to be challenged, or looking for test-prep help, they’ll get the individual attention they need to achieve their goals in the classroom and gain confidence for the future. And both in-center and online learning is available.
Get some real answers on how your child is doing in math by contacting your local Mathnasium Learning Center for an assessment.
Mathnasium meets your child where they are and helps them with the customized program they need, for any level of mathematics.
877-601-6284
877-601-6284
