Math Success Begins with Algebra

In today's society, everyone, not just those who are mathematically inclined, must understand algebraic concepts and be able to work with technology. Changes in society and new expectations of colleges and employers have revolutionized math curriculums. Success in algebra often correlates to success in college, so it is very important for today's students to do their best with this critical subject.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2014, a graduation requirements test covering reading, writing, and mathematics will be given in Oregon. This means current eighth graders will be held to more stringent requirements in order to graduate. In fact, they will be required to take three math classes (Algebra I and higher)in high school. Kids graduating before them only need three math classes, period, with no stipulation as to the difficulty level.

Parents can sometimes feel intimidated because they lack experience with updated math teaching and technology. What practical steps can be taken to ease parental concerns and help families build confidence in this new approach to middle and high school mathematics?

Students who take algebra in middle school have an advantage over those who do not because they will be able to take higher level math in high school and be better prepared for state (Oregon State Assessments and Graduation Requirements Testing) and national testing like the SAT or ACT.

Parents should encourage their children to take Algebra early in their educational careers, if they are academically ready. Technology should support math instruction and students should be encouraged to use all of the modern tools at their disposal to gain an understanding of the underlying reasoning and computations used in problem-solving.

According to research from Ohio State University's Center for Cognitive Science, math technology and how-to instructional videos allow students to "come to the understanding themselves using their critical thinking skills instead of relying on memorization."

To obtain step-by-step instructional math videos based on American math textbooks, visit www.SylvanMathPrep.com. To obtain educational resources to help students in grades K-12 learn the math skills needed for success, visit the "Math" area of www.SylvanLearning.com or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.