BOSTON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Each year, thousands of schools across the nation are transitioning to the research-based National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant Math programs - a different method of teaching and learning mathematics. To help parents understand the inquiry-based approach to developing the mathematical thinking skills that are at the core of the NSF-funded programs, Pearson School educational publishers and the Family Education Network today announced the launch of http://www.mathsupportforparents.com/. The site supports Pearson's Investigations in Number, Data and Space (kindergarten through grade five) and Connected Math (middle school) programs.
In 2008, U.S. states and school districts will invest approximately $1 billion in K-12 mathematics programs. Yet, recent studies conducted by the National Council on Educational Statistics, as well as the noted Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) reveal that U.S. students continue to lag behind in international comparisons of mathematics achievement. And an increasing percentage of U.S. students are taking remedial math when they get to college because they did not have a solid foundation to prepare them for higher level math. The National Science Foundation-funded programs address these issues directly by focusing on building the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will prepare students for success in the 21st century economy.
But, the National Science Foundation-funded inquiry-based approach has become controversial. In the past, most students learned math by memorization of a specific set of principles or rules to solving problems. But NSF research tells us this way of learning does little to help students develop a deep understanding of the content or the flexibility to apply math skills into the real world.
The new MathSupportforParents website provides a wealth of material to help parents understand the concepts behind Pearson's Investigations in Number, Data, and Space and Connected Mathematics programs. The site includes videos from teachers and students addressing the very questions that are on many parents' minds, including a section on ways to help their children at home. The site also includes a "feedback" component for parents to share their concerns.
"The idea of a website for parents of students learning with National Science Foundation-funded programs is coming at just the right time," said Carol Knight, Mathematics Supervisor for Prince William County, Virginia Schools. "Most of today's parents did not have the advantage of an inquiry- based approach to learning math. It is quite different from how most of us were taught, and parents have many questions." She added, "We have spent hundreds of hours educating parents as to why Investigations provides a solid math foundation for all types of learners, so the fact that we can now offer this new resource is a tremendous help to the teachers - as well as to the parents."
Pearson School Senior Vice President for Mathematics Mike Evans said, "Understanding what our children are learning - and discussing their schoolwork with them - is important to all parents. We think the new MathSupportforParents website will help them see that these inquiry-based programs can foster a love of math and curiosity about problem-solving in their children." He added, "Why have so many schools using Investigations and Connected Math programs shown dramatic improvement in test scores? Because the students are becoming mathematical thinkers and learning how to apply these skills both in school and in everyday life. That is an exciting progression to watch in our children, and we hope to involve parents in this process through the materials on our new website."
In launching the website, Family Education Network President Jess Brallier said, "At Family Education Network, we are all about providing resources to families, teachers and students. We are expecting thousands of parents will be logging on to the MathSupportforParents site to learn more about the curriculum and to support their children's math education."
The goal of the Investigations and Connected Mathematics programs is to help students develop a deep understanding of math and demonstrate flexibility in the methods they employ. The MathSupportforParents website will serve as a resource for parents to help their children gain a love of math that will result in their developing the foundational skills they will need for being successful in school and in life.
About Investigations in Number, Data and Space
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space is a research-based, child- centered approach to teaching mathematics through engaging activities, discussions, and problem solving. Students are involved in meaningful mathematical problems, and teachers engage in ongoing learning about mathematics content and how children learn mathematics. The curriculum at each grade level is organized into units that offer from two to eight weeks of work focused on a particular content strand. These units link together with ongoing review to form a complete K-5 curriculum that offers differentiation based on each individual student's needs. http://investigations.terc.edu/
About the Connected Mathematics Project
With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) developed a complete mathematics curriculum for middle school teachers and students. CMP helps students and teachers develop understanding of important mathematical concepts, skills, procedures, and ways of thinking and reasoning, in number, geometry, measurement, algebra, probability and statistics. CMP is based on research, and was field-tested in diverse sites across the country with approximately 45,000 students and 390 teachers. A growing body of Research and Evaluation reports indicates that CMP outperforms non-CMP curricula on tests of problem-solving ability, equals or outperforms non-CMP curricula on skills tests, and promotes long term retention. http://connectedmath.msu.edu/.
About Pearson
Pearson is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. Pearson's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, AGS, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker, TeacherVision and many others. The company's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. http://www.pearsonschool.com/
About The Family Education Network
Family Education is the leading online publisher of practical parenting guidance, expert family advice, printables, skill-building exercises and activities for children. FamilyEducation.com is dedicated to educating parents and parents-to-be, so they can raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children. Family Education is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company. http://www.familyeducation.com/; http://www.mathsupportforparents.com/.
