Developing math strategies can help your student learn to think for themselves

“According to international standardized tests, American students lack math aptitude and problem solving skills” says Raj Shah, owner of Math Monkey of Powell. “This is due in part because we tend to just teach kids how to execute a solution instead of encouraging the student think for themselves. Here is a typical example: The teacher shows a problem and then demonstrates the solution, while students follow along. Next, the students practice a couple similar problems, using the same solution, followed by homework to reinforce it. What’s missing, according to Shah, is the opportunity to use and build their own critical thinking and problem solving skills first before providing “the solution”. This makes them poor problem solvers.”.

Majority of PR-B grades improve on state reading, math test

More PR-B grades performed better on the state’s reading test this spring than those in the same grades the year before.

PR-B has made some districtwide attempts in recent years to improve math and reading skills for its students. In 2007-08 the focus was on math achievement; in 2008-09 the focus was on reading. This year’s focus has yet to be determined. In addition, PR-B has a number of programs to improve student learning.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a program designed to provide assistance to children having difficulty learning.

AIMSweb is a test that helps measure reading fluency. Results are reported to students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Responsive Classroom is an elementary teaching approach that focuses on social, emotional and academic student growth.

Peaceful Playground is yet another initiative to encourage student activities and discourage bullying.

New this fall will be Compass Learning Odyssey: activities including exploration, individual and teamwork and problem solving for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

Games in Class Bring a D to a B

Teachers Use Games To Increase Math Grades. Last fall, Woodlawn Elementary’s math teachers locked up their textbooks in a music room closet. Faced with FCAT scores that figured in the school’s D grade in 2007-08, the teachers decided to get radical and overhaul their math curriculum. It paid off. The school went from a D to a B this year, logging impressive gains on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, especially in math.