Parent/Guardian Concerns

A problem-centered curriculum like Connected Mathematics will look quite different to parents/guardians than the mathematics curricula they studied in school. It is not easy to thumb through the materials and see the mathematics and the development of concepts, reasoning, and skills. To see the level of understanding and skills developed in the curriculum, one must examine teacher materials, student materials, the ensuing discussions in the classroom, and student work. It is important that districts address parent/guardian concerns and keep them thoroughly informed from the start about the mathematics that their children are studying.

Parents/guardians need to understand the goals of the program. They should know that the primary goal is to have students make sense of mathematical concepts, become proficient with basic skills, and communicate their reasoning and understanding clearly. The concepts and topics students study should be familiar to parents/guardians, but they may need reassurance that significant and challenging mathematics is being studied. The emphasis on reasoning and communication may be less familiar. Parents/guardians may need help to understand that reasoning and communication are valued and that the program provides students with many opportunities to demonstrate their progress in these areas.

Following are some questions that parents/guardians may ask. Schools should be prepared to provide answers.

• What do students learn from studying this curriculum?
• How was it developed?
• What student performance data are available?
• Is there research to support this type of teaching and learning?
• Are similar schools or districts using the curriculum? Have they been successful?
• Does the curriculum contain algebra?
• What mathematics courses will students take when they go to high school?
• Will I be able to help my child with homework?
• Is this program too hard for students with reading or learning disabilities?

These ideas were taken from the CMP Web site hosted by Michigan State University.