A new report by LFA and Grunwald Associates, with support from AT&T, examines how parents perceive the value of mobile devices, how they see their children using mobiles, and what they think of the possibilities for mobile learning.
Every Child Mathematically Proficient: Tips for Schools
- Work to assure that all students understand why mathematics is important. Make sure children realize why mathematics is important to their daily lives by providing concrete examples and real world problems.
- Support professional development for teachers. Students need to be taught by instructors who are well prepared in content and technique of mathematics training and current technology. Equip teachers with tools and supports to enable them to help children of all backgrounds complete a challenging mathematics curriculum.
- Algebra and Geometry by the end of ninth grade. Help parents understand that mathematics in the middle grades has a strong effect on whether students are able to take the higher level mathematics necessary for admission to college or for jobs.
- Expect high standards. Teachers and school leaders should advocate for efforts that focus on raising expectations for student mathematics performance.
- Make math fun. Everyday activities in school--even outside of "math class"--can teach children of all ages important math concepts.
- Use real world examples to teach math. Point out ways that people use math every day to pay bills, balance their checkbooks, figure out their net earnings, make change, and tip at restaurants. Involve older children in school projects that incorporate geometric and algebraic concepts, such as building a bookshelf or a new ball field.
- Prepare students for a profession. Let them know what jobs require a sound base in mathematics. Careers in carpentry, landscaping, medicine, pharmacy, aeronautics, and meteorology all require strong math skills. Ask local employers to sponsor school?to?work programs and career fairs.
- Make sure students understand the connections between math and technologies. Teachers and school leaders can model the use of technology, developing charts, graphs, maps, and spreadsheets. Work to see that your school provides numerous opportunities for students to become proficient using technology with math applications.
Tips are reproduced from the Learning First Alliance’s Every Child Mathematically Proficient: An Action Plan. For more information, please contact the Learning First Alliance at (202) 296-5220.
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