The Truth about Standardized Math Scores
Articles last month announced just how much the pandemic had affected our kids' learning over the past couple of years, having reached historic lows. About 70% of Littleton parents have discovered their children’s standardized math scores are below the “meeting expectations” cutoff. The CMAS test scores indicate the majority of children are not equipped with the math thinking skills for the 21st Century. Shocked parents frequently ask us at Mathnasium of Littleton, as the math experts, four questions after seeing low test scores:
1) “What does this mean about my children?”
2) “What can I do to help them?”
3) “Why would Mathnasium succeed when my children’s school didn’t?”
4) “Will my child’s CMAS scores increase after going to Mathnasium?”
“What do these math scores mean about my children?”
The PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) test was the first to evaluate Colorado students’ mastery of the new Common Core standards adopted in 2014 and still forms the basis for the math and english portions of the CMAS tests. Our article, “Are You a Littleton Parent Frustrated with Common Core Standards?” explains how math instruction has undergone 3 major shifts in the past years resulting in the new standards that are in place today.
Our children will be competing for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers with children around the world. The CMAS tests the skills our children should have to be successful in college and in the global marketplace. If your child was among the 70% to receive a score of “Did not meet expectations,” “Partially met expectations,” or “Approached expectations” do not give up hope. Just like with tennis, piano, or soccer, new math skills can be learned - it just takes time and focused effort. Your child has every capability of succeeding in math. He or she just needs to put in the extra time and practice with a whole new way of mathematical thinking and applications.
“What can we parents do to help our children?”
First, talk with your children about their experiences and feelings about the tests. Give them the opportunity to express how difficult it was. You want them to feel supported and listened to, not attacked. If their score will damage their motivation or self-esteem, don’t show the score to them. Just explain how many kids are struggling with math these days, and let them know they aren’t alone. In fact, a recent Colorado Sun Article indicated less than 20% of our state’s 8th graders met or exceeded expectations in math while an article in the New York Times indicates scores dropped in nearly every state. Just because they have plenty of company, doesn’t mean that your children shouldn’t work hard to overcome the gaps in their skills. Students who learn to work hard at difficult or frustrating tasks will succeed not just in math, but in life.
Second, read our article “Does Your Child Show any of the 4 Warning Signs of Imminent Math Struggles?” You might discover that a low CMAS score is not the only indicator your child needs extra support in math. It is always best to address difficulties in the early grades, but it is never too late. An ancient Chinese proverb states “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Our philosophy at Mathnasium of Littleton is: the best time to invest in superior math skills was in 2nd grade. The next best time is now.
Third, call us and talk to us. We understand your struggles. We have been there with our own children and countless others. Our in-depth, no-obligation math assessment clearly shows individual strengths and the areas needing focus.
“Why would Mathnasium succeed when my child’s school didn’t?”
Schools have immense responsibilities. They must teach a diverse group of children science, math, reading, writing, character development, social skills and much more. At Mathnasium of Littleton, we have one responsibility and one focus - your child’s math abilities. Our individual math instruction matches the right pace and learning style of your child (see “What Kind of Math Learner is Your Child?”). Our proprietary math curriculum works best with one-on-one instruction. Your child will focus on strengthening their math thinking skills and gain confidence. If they need help with homework and test prep for their current class, we are available for that as well.
“Will my Child’s CMAS scores increase after going to Mathnasium?”
Most likely (see our article, "The Keys to Success at Mathnasium of Littleton.") We do know children who get instruction with us dramatically increase their math skills. For most children, the increased skills show up in all areas including on standardized tests. We also work on test preparation skills upon request.
We give them the math tools they need to succeed.
Call us today! Ask for Suzie. (303) 979-9077
(303) 979-9077
(303) 979-9077
