Standards based math courses may look unfamiliar to parents. Parents might think that since they did not learn mathematics this way, there is nothing that they can do to help their children. This is not true. There are many ways that parents can help to ensure that their children are successful learners.

Alternative Algorithms Used in Everyday Math-Word File

Alternative Algorithms, HTML File.

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Helping your child with homework

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General Suggestions for Helping Your Child

1. Maintain high expectations for your child both in terms of grades and behavior. Children often work to get the grade that is expected of them. The higher your expectations, the harder your child is likely to work.

2. Ask your child to explain his or her class-work and homework to you. This action will not only help to make it clear to your child that you feel schoolwork is important, but the act of explaining the concepts to you will help to clarify them in your child's mind.

3. Communicate with your child's teachers. Again, this helps to underline the importance of education in your child's mind. It also will let you know about homework policies, projects, and an early warning of any specific problems that your child might be having.

4. All students are expected to maintain a math notebook or journal..  Ask to see that notebook.   Ask your child to explain today's lesson to you.  Look through the assessment section to see how your child is currently performing.

©Pittsburgh Board of Public Education                                 Comments to Ken Labuskes   last edited 05/13/03