How well does “let’s wait and see” work?
During Parent-Teacher interviews or on a mid-term progress report, the teacher suggests that your child get some extra help in math. What do you do?
Do you have a child in high school taking math next semester? Keep reading.
How long ago was their last math class: in June 2024 or January 2024 or even earlier? Remember that even at the best of times most students forget material over extended periods – and, by the end of January 2025, a total of 7 months will have elapsed since last June! When not exercised regularly, math techniques fade from memory and the student’s level of proficiency wanes. Their last mark or report card might indicate good understanding of the curriculum but that was a distant memory. Don’t assume “smooth sailing” next semester.
Most high school teachers begin a course with 2-3 days of review, like a warm-up. After that, students are expected to pick up the pace and start moving ahead full speed through the new material. Some children and parents are surprised when the first unit test is over by mid-February and the results are less than expected. What happened? I thought things were okay!?
Each successive math course assumes your child understood and was proficient in the material taught in the last course or can remember it quickly with just a little review. Of course, if they didn’t grasp that part from before or need a little more time reviewing, the new material will seem unclear and confusing. Trying to catch up and learn new skills at the same time is a challenge; without support, many students begin to fall further behind. Teachers are often willing to assist but there is only so much an extra 30-60 minutes each week can do.
We can help. Our (free) assessment process can help identify which prerequisite math skills your child needs most for their math course. You will leave with a report of their current demonstrated proficiency in specific areas. You also receive a Learning Plan sorted by topics we would start reviewing with your child based on those assessment results. Enroll your child in one of our programs – even before the new semester begins – and get them working on the skills they will need to start the course with confidence.
Throughout the semester, as they come for sessions with our instructors, your child can get the one-on-one math support needed to close those skill gaps, understand the new concepts being taught in class, and steer them in the right direction on homework assignments.
You want your child to succeed. We do too.
Make This Their Best School Year Yet.