According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), “Math scores slipped for fourth and eighth graders over the last two years, and reading grades were not much better, flat for fourth graders and lower for eighth graders.” The report was released by NAEP on October 28, 2015.
In fact, only 1/3 of the nation’s eighth-graders scored in the proficient or above range in math and reading. Among fourth graders, 2/5 of the students scored in the proficient or above range in reading.
This is unacceptable news for our students! And, Education Secretary Arne Duncan urged parents, teachers, and others to embrace higher academic standards.
So, what steps can parents take to help their K-8 students improve in reading and math? Here are a few suggestions that may help:
Reading is the building block to a solid education. Read to succeed!
- Set aside a regular time to read to your child every single day – even older kids who can already read themselves.
- Surround your child with reading material. A diverse selection will spark interest in even the most reluctant reader.
- Encourage a wide variety of reading activities. Don’t stop at books – encourage your student to read everywhere.
- Visit your local library regularly. It’s fun. It’s free!
- Be knowledgeable about your children’s studies. Regularly meet or speak with his teacher to gauge progress.
- Look for any reading problems and get help immediately.
- Show enthusiasm for your children’s reading and regularly demonstrate that you love to read, too.
Math is the universal language. Make sure that your child speaks fluently!
- Make sure that your child understands the concepts, rather than just memorizing meaningless rules.
- Review math vocabulary to ensure that your student can define the skills he’s learning.
- Computing math problems in your child’s head will reinforce concepts more quickly than using a calculator.
- Check to make sure your child is approaching his homework properly. He should study the textbook and practice the sample problem before starting the assignment.
- Encourage your child to tackle more than just the assigned problems. Extra practice always helps!
- Approach word problems together. Your student should read a problem aloud, repeat it, and even draw a picture of each problem.
- Explain how math applies to real-life situations. Math is much more interesting if your child can understand its real world value.
- Drills and flash cards are quick ways to solidify basic math facts.
What can a parent do if this strategies still don’t help? Back to Basics offers 1-on-1 tutoring in over 60 subjects, including math and reading.
The benefits of 1-on-1 instruction are well-documented. In a 1-on-1 setting, students have the constant attention of the teacher so that they can listen and speak with much more comfort than in a group situation. Each student’s strengths and non-strengths are addressed more consistently and fully without the distraction of other students or the teacher’s compensation for different levels in one classroom. Each student can go at his/her own pace and have the benefit of the tutor adapting to each individual learning style.
1-on-1 learning may offer an excellent solution if your child has struggled for the past couple of years, regardless of school setting, or:
- has been diagnosed with:
- Depression or anxiety
- ADHD
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- High Functioning Autism
- A learning disability
- needs a boost in self-esteem from his schooling,
- is attending a private school that says this is just not the right environment, and/or has asked your child to leave,
- seeks a broader range of electives or Honors courses not offered at the current school he is attending,
- has a specific learning style that isn’t being met in a traditional classroom setting,
- is being home schooled and you cannot teach all needed subjects,
- may benefit from an innovative approach to learning, or
- thrives with 1-on-1 instruction.
We believe that every student deserves an environment conducive to his/her individual learning style. Our team of experienced instructors joins forces to create the unique environment where your child can learn, and also feel good. Contact Back to Basics at 302-594-0754 to learn more.
Celebrating 30 years of excellence in education! Back to Basics Learning Dynamics is the undisputed leader in 1-on-1 tutoring in Nationwide and southeastern Pennsylvania for over 60 subjects. The company offers Nationwide’s only Department of Education-approved 1-on-1 K-12 Private School in Wilmington, Nationwide and a Nationwide Business and Trade School for ages 16 and older. In addition, the company offers translating and interpreting in 16 languages throughout Nationwide. Back to Basics is the winner of numerous awards for academic and business excellence including the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
