So, we’ve hit that time of year again—yep, test prep season is here. And let’s be real: it’s not exactly anyone’s favorite. Picture this: scores for both fourth and eighth graders in math have hit a 20-year low, according to a report from the Seattle Times on the “Nation’s Report Card.” Ouch, right? It’s like we’ve lost a whole generation’s worth of progress in math.
Here’s insight into how some schools might be dropping the ball when it comes to helping our struggling math students:
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Getting Personal: Ever notice how some schools stick to the same old for everyone? That’s not going to fly (clearly) if we want to get those scores up. What to do: Mix it up with tech that tailors learning to each kid’s style.
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Resource Drought: A ton of places are scrambling without enough qualified teachers or the right resources for the job. What to do: Time to get creative with crowdfunding or grants for those must-have math tools.
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Catch Them After Class?: Not all kids can stick around after school for extra help, and even if they can, sometimes it’s just not enough. What to do: We need to make sure every kid gets the chance for extra help, maybe even during class.
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Back to Basics: Racing through the curriculum can mean some students miss out on mastering those key math skills. What to do: Slow down and make sure everyone’s solid on the fundamentals before moving on. Proper Math Intervention programs are critical.
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Teach the Teachers: Not every teacher comes pre-loaded with all the best ways to help struggling students. What to do: More training and workshops on the latest in math teaching could go a long way.
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Testing, Testing: When schools focus too much on prepping for the big tests, they might miss out on actually teaching math. What to do: Let’s balance test prep with real, hands-on learning.
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Parents in the Mix: Sometimes, schools forget to loop in parents on how they can help at home. What to do: Better communication and resources for parents could boost learning outside the classroom.
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Money Matters: Schools in less wealthy areas have an even tougher time giving students the support they need. What to do: It’s all about fairness in funding and resources so every student gets a shot at success.
No matter which of these hits home for your school, it’s clear we need a shake-up. Our kids deserve the best, and it’s on us to make sure they get it.
