Mathnasium of La Jolla is filled with math overacheivers. In fact, over a third of our kids are 1-4 years ahead of the game. As I read more and more articles on the changes associated with the math portion, the more proud I get about the Mathnasium program!
For our high school mathletes, weaving in an SAT/ACT component to their learning plan is simple. All we do is provide an ACT/SAT Assessment and create a detailed plan around low scoring areas. Your student’s sessions are the same, they can use their time for school work or test preparation. Let us know if it is time to start rocking on this!
The NY Times recently addressed changes to the new SAT, but here are the highlights as they pertain to the math section:
Depth over Breadth Math Skills: This tells me a rough understanding no longer cuts it. As a former teacher myself, I know they have to stay the course of daily lessons plans to cover the required material before summer break! That is a challenge! Not only is the curriculum brisk, there are interruptions to the day that dig into precious time (fire drills, assemblies, picture day, MAPS testing, blah, blah). The “depth” is what builds understanding and easier application to the next wave of new content. I am proud of the depth of the Mathnasium lessons and customized learning plans we create for every student.
Fewer Equations and More Word Problems: Students need to recognize how to set up the equations themselves based on the situation presented. Oh, then they have to solve it. If there are multiple variables, your toolbox needs to be bigger. At Mathnasium, we initially look at the formulas and strategies, then we attack them from a problem solving standpoint. After all, you need to know what you are looking for. Building from a solid foundation is critical. Our assessments determine the skills sets that have yet to be mastered so students can be their most successful.
Higher Level Math is Now Included: It used to be a safe bet that if you completed geometry you had all you needed to do well on the SAT. With the 2016 changes, upper level math courses will be part of the day. Count on seeing trig and some statistics.
Calculator Free Section: One section will rely on good old paper and pencil for computing the answer. Number sense and solid skills across the board will make or break this section. At Mathnasium we have controlled use of calculators because we want the students to have the tools necessary to problem solve independently. The SAT is a sorting tool for colleges in their decision making when considering an applicant. This section is going to be a deal breaker for many high schoolers that "survive" math..
To see how we can impacted your student, call us on 858-335-5686.
Image: https://sat.collegeboard.org/SAT/public/image/promo_320x190.jpg
Check out all the SAT changes in the NY Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/education/edlife/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-sat.html?_r=0
(858) 291-8186
(858) 291-8186
