Twenty or thirty years ago, when many parents were in school, learning math was primarily about one thing: learning to compute fluently. There was one right way to add, subtract, multiply, divide and do other mathematical functions. Memorizing specific procedures and practicing them over and over was most of what math classes were about.

Computing fluently is still a critical part of learning math. However, those who are really proficient at math also learn to apply math, to reason, to understand mathematical concepts and to engage in math as sensible, useful and doable. Students really haven’t learned math unless they can do all of those things.

Learn 21st century skills through math
Given the pace of change in this century, students today will need to be able to learn new concepts quickly: some of today’s most popular college majors and professions didn’t exist 20 years ago. They will need to be able to reason, to solve problems, and engage in whatever they are doing. These critical 21st century skills are taught in today’s classrooms through math.

Today, all students need to learn math. Just as reading is fundamental, in today’s society, math is essential. Understanding how different interest rates are computed, for example, can be the difference between owning a home and foreclosure. Math is also essential to so many careers, even those that don’t seem to need math. (See the Partnership for Learning Web site to see several videos about how people in different careers use math.)

Every child can learn math. They don’t all learn it the same way, though. That’s why today’s math instruction helps students learn several different methods to get to the answer. Some students will naturally understand and choose one way to get there while others will prefer a different method that seems more intuitive to them.

As a parent, you can support your child in learning math. This Web site will provide you with grade specific information on what your child is learning, how to help them with their homework, games you can play together to supplement what they are learning in school and more.