Mathematics
Parent Resources for New TEKS
Have you asked yourself "What can I do to help my child with math? I have never done anything like this before!" Believe me, you are not alone. The new standards for mathematics have brought about a change in the way skills are being taught. Unfortunately, we as parents are not sitting in the classroom with our child to learn the "new math." Hopefully, things will become a bit more clear.
New Math
"Why can't we just do it the way we did it when I was in school? It seemed to work fine then." Technically, the skills are not changing, just the representation of skills. When you were in school, 12 x 13 = 156. Today, this statement is still true, however, the approach we take to solve helps break some confusion.
This video can help explain why there was a need for change.
Where can I find the new standards?
The Texas Education Agency has a list of all the new standards for each grade level and course. Find what school level, then scroll through to find which grade level you need.
How can I help?
There are some resources available for parent or student use. Think Through Math is a free standards aligned program (for students grade 3-8) Most schools have already obtained a username and password for the students on their campus. If you would like for your child to practice more at home, please contact your child's teacher for information.
The Khan Academy is another great, helpful website with tools and helpful lessons to build concept understanding.
DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF! Some student struggle with basic math facts. Some campuses have implimentedXtramath for assistance with fact fluency help. Contact your students teacher to see if they have a username and password. If not, sign your child up yourself, its free!
All Algebra I and Algebra I retest students have been enrolled in ALEKS online classrooms. Again, please, contact your childs teacher to find out how to access from home. Click here to find out what ALEKS is and how it works.
The Interactive Math Glossary houses examples of math terms.
If you are curious as to how the new standards stack up against the old standards, the TEKS Side-by-Side is available for review.