Parents in Parker will not get a nice surprise in their mailboxes this December. About 70% will discover their children’s math PARCC scores are below the “meeting expectations” cutoff. Shocked parents frequently ask us at Mathnasium of Parker, 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 PARCC scores increase after going to Mathnasium?”
Some parents look at previous standardized test scores from the TCAP or the CSAP, and wonder if their children’s math skills actually plummeted. The CSAP and TCAP measured math skills based on old standards. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) evaluated Colorado students’ mastery of the new Common Core standards. Our article, “Are You a Parent in Parker Frustrated with Common Core Math Standards?” explains how math instruction has undergone 3 major shifts recently. The PARCC test scores indicate the majority of children are not equipped with the math thinking skills for the 21st Century.
The PARCC is so different from the previous standardized tests; it is impossible to tell if an individual student showed math growth by comparing scores across tests. Think of the tests like playing tennis. If you play a recreational tennis match twice a month, you might win some matches, and still not be a skilled tennis player. If you join a league of more accomplished players, the skills you are missing will become glaringly obvious. The CSAP and TCAP tests were like playing recreational tennis and the PARCC is like a competitive league. The expectations are much higher.
Our children will be competing for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers with children around the world. The PARCC 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, new math skills take time and focused effort to learn. Your child has every capability of succeeding with the new math standards. He or she just needs to put in some extra time and practice with a whole new way of mathematical thinking and applications.
First, talk with your children about their experiences and feelings about the test. 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 the new math standards, and let them know they aren’t alone. In fact, a recent Denver Post Article indicated less than 20% of our state’s 8th graders met or exceeded expectations in math while less than 40% of third graders achieved the higher marks according to an article on Chalkbeat.org. 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 PARCC 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 Parker 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-risk assessment clearly shows individual strengths and the areas needing focus.
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 Parker, 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.
Most likely (see our article, "The Keys to Success at Mathnasium of Parker.") 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! (303) 840-1184
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