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Explain concepts in class rather than rely on students and parents to figure things out (61)
Use textbooks rather than worksheets (51)
The Singapore Math textbooks show promise, but the pilot has been difficult (18)
Pleased with Singapore Math (5)
More parent information on Singapore Math (4)
Difficulties with Singapore Math (9)
Provide clearer instructions on homework (28)
Assign more challenging homework for students who need it (31)
Don't assign more homework (8)
Provide more teacher feedback on homework and tests (16)
EXPLAIN CONCEPTS IN CLASS, USE TEXTBOOKS, ASSIGN MORE AND BETTER HOMEWORK
Explain concepts in class rather than rely on students and parents to figure things out:
2 Subject needs to be explained before homework is sent home.
8 More explanation by teacher. Major support is through other students
5 I think there needs to be more organized curriculum, preferably using textbooks rather than xeroxed sheets
4 Less dependence on parents to teach
4 With my other two children I think the children need more explanation or instruction to do their work, so they can understand it
11 Better teacher-- explain things more clearly,
5 More examples
4 Less reliance on "canned" worksheets, better and more thorough explanations!
K More instruction in earlier grades
4 Teachers should spend a little more time introducing students to new math concepts.
3 Q9: Not adapted to what was learned in class
2 Papers are sent home no prior knowledge.
2 Using the blackboard a lot and teach the children
3 Showing the children how to do the math problem, such as showing them more examples of how to do the problem.
3 That instruction is given to show student problems and make understand is taking place for all student abilities
4 I think improvement for the math curriculum would be more instruction from the teachers. The assignments given are not being explained before hand. My child comes home every day with math homework and is never able to do it on her own. We have to spend about an hour every night on math. I have to help my child with just about every problem because she is not sure what to do. I am not always sure I am even showing her the correct way to do them. It seems like the teachers are trying to get through the books as soon as [possible. I believe they need to spend more time going over the lessons before they give them as well as after to see what they are not understanding.
2 More individual attention in the classroom versus massive amounts of homework sent home with the students. Whose job is it to teach them this anyway?
7 My son sometimes struggles with his homework because according to him the concepts/problems given for homework are not covered in class beforehand. True?
8 I spend a great deal of time explaining/teaching concepts. While I don't mind, I do believe this is NOT my job! Teaching should be done in the classroom, reinforcement should be done at home.
6 Better instruction of how to solve the mathematical problems.
4 More instruction
4 More explanation of math problems & concepts
3 Clarity in instruction explaining so all kids can understand
3 Better explanations by teachers in class
2 Take your time, spend more time explaining it to kids. For those who don't understand very well, explain it to them carefully.
2 Better explanations of math theory and more individual attention given to each student
8 Explaining things more clearly
4 More competent instruction so homework can be done without difficulty
5 Making sure that the children understand and can apply it on their own
8 To make sure that the students understand it while in class
3 Q6: Not enough instruction is given
Q14: Better explanation and examples of concepts
7 More teacher-student clarification of assigned homework. Teachers need to go over specific areas of difficulty more carefully
5 More clearer instruction
10 Better explanations by instructors & getting students interested in math
9 In the honors classes, where kids really must work very diligently and intensely on complex topics, instruction must be excellent, highly structured, with a lot of feedback and communication. If the kids need to come in for extra instruction over the weekends and after school, the sessions must be review, not first time instruction, as was the case with my daughter's Geometry class at [ ]. Weekend review sessions were appreciated, however with religious, family, and recreational obligations, brand new materials should not be introduced, only reinforced and re-taught if necessary. If there is a countywide examination and if the materials on that exam have never ever been introduced, let alone taught to mastery, kids in that class should not be held to the same standard as those who have been taught in a more successful manner. Another necessity is a textbook or print material for each student -- materials which can be taken home as well.
2 Teachers should give homeworks based on what they teach at school
3 Q6: The instruction level is appropriate, but the teacher gives homework involving subjects which have not been introduced in the classroom and the parents must explain and teach a new topic. Instruction must be demonstrated in class before assigning homework. Parents are not sure of the methods which teachers want students to learn new math topics!
Q9: The math homework is of average difficulty until the homework is based on new topics not covered in class. Then it becomes frustrating and difficult for the children.
1 Ditto memos sent home with homework covering new concepts taught in math to better able parents to assist with homework.
3 Also, all homework should be gone over in class so when the kids come home they understand how to do the homework. Parents can help but we learned different methods of doing the same homework years ago and it confuses the children.
8 Teacher need to spend more time explaining and teaching the homework assignment and general math assignment. From my experience with 3 children, student learn too little in math from school. Even though my children get "A" in math, mostly from help at home, teacher need to teach more at school.
5 Hands on repetition & instruction so concepts are understood before homework is assigned
5 The homework at times does not reflect what as taught during school. Parents should not be the teacher -- but a helper -- I find myself teaching -- not only in math but all subjects!
4 I think the homework needs to be less parent-involved. Whose homework is it anyway? If it's the student's, then assign homework the student can complete with minimal parent instruction. If the parent is being assigned homework, please clearly state as such. By the way, why would the teacher want to give ME homework? Beats me!
The class work for my child seems very appropriate. There often exists a huge gap between classroom work and homework. Many times concepts barely covered in class are featured in homework. I grow increasingly resentful of the time it takes me to help my child complete the homework. ARGH!
5 Class-time instruction. My daughter often has homework on a skill she hasn't received instruction on in class.
2 Explain thoroughly, before making assignments and work through examples.
3 Instruction: Students don't seem to learn in class. They need to be taught by parents or teachers at home. Part of the problem may be that students miss class for Speech, O.T., ISM testing, etc.
2 Montgomery County Public Schools emphasizes too much on the parents teaching. The way we were taught is different than the way it is taught now. I think the teaching should be done by the teacher and parents just assisting. We spend too much time with homework in the evening. Teaching is not our expertise, it is the teachers. The way we teach could be all wrong (technique wise). That makes the student even more confused. This is across the board in ALL subjects! NO family time anymore! Very SAD! I would rather have school longer days than make all the emphasis done by the parents.
2 More support to help child meet his own abilities instead of relying on parents at home -- for my child needs more basic fact practice at school or motivation from school to WANT to practice math facts at home.
5 A more complete and thorough explanation of new concepts. I often need to review and explain the concepts at home to achieve complete comprehension.
4 More instruction -- less emphasis on homework that doesn't seem to reflect class lessons. We feel she brings home work that wasn't covered during the day. Smaller classes would help a lot.
3 I reviewed the 3rd grade math curriculum on the MCPS website. If I did not have a computer I would not have this information. The school has not given me any handouts on the curriculum. The individual teachers have given me no info as to their monthly plans--where they are and where they are going. I have to constantly ask for it.
4 More instruction on the concepts themselves. I find myself being a teacher quite often because the class does not explain the concepts enough in order to accomplish the homework assignment.
5 Hands on repetition. Instruction so concepts are understood before homework is assigned.
4 Better instruction which would allow me to assist him better at home
3 Possibly more instruction and homework
5 Consistency. Teacher preparation. Instruction with understanding as the goal. Appropriate amounts of homework.
K More time spent & explanations simple & reviewed in alternate ways if a student doesn't grasp it
5 Teachers who explain so that students understand
2 More instructions at school
5 Application of concepts learned in class
5 Learning how to solve the math with some method with the teacher's experiences
Use textbooks rather than worksheets:
5 We need to teach math in a systematic way with a good math textbook
3 Math books would be a great help. It would help organize as well.
1 Greater use of textbooks & examples so that parents can better assist
6 The students have gone all year without textbooks. I don't know how much guidance the teacher is getting, but as a parent I have no idea what topics they have covered or what topics they will cover. I have difficulty helping my daughter with her homework as there is no textbook to follow. I don't have any math examples to use as reference.
? Use a textbook & workbook so that parents can do a better job of reinforcing what is done in class
2 We need a core math book. All math work is done on xerox worksheets. It's very hard to keep track & monitor progress.
4 Parents need to be informed about what their kids are doing! There are no textbooks -- just copied papers. If my child is having trouble, I have no reference material to look at to help tutor him. Especially difficult if parents are from another country.
9 Q6: Could use more concrete explanations
Q14: pick books the teachers and students will use, so there is an organized way to find things. It would be helpful to have the handouts in a workbook form so the progression of math ideas are easier to see i.e., a --> b --> c --> d. Loose handouts without textbook page references are hard to follow.
4 I would like to see standardized workbooks which the students could purchase and take home
2 Use a textbook;
1 Need textbooks, more homework, and more test on a regular basis
5 Also, 5th grade was the first year a textbook was really used. Every other year the curriculum relied mostly on worksheets and it seemed very disjointed. I think they should use textbooks in the earlier grades.
5 All schools should use a text or workbook as reference for parents. This is important if teachers do not communicate with parents what the lessons are.
1 More detailed information available to parents regarding the curriculum. With no textbook, it is not possible to follow along and move ahead at a pace my child is capable of. There is a lack of coherence between grades.
2 I believe a math textbook would help parents and students see how the entire math curriculum fits together. It would also help parents become better informed about what their children will cover during the year and what the current math language is. I believe students could also use more math enrichment exercises or projects rather than a daily homework practice page only. Also more emphasis on tying math to everyday life would be helpful.
3 Provide books to the students
3 Textbooks
4 A math book
5 Need to always have book at home to show examples when doing homework
5 Math needs to use textbooks and progress in logical sequence. Teachers need a curriculum that they must follow so student's math progress is not dependent on the teacher's ability and choice.
6 Each student should have his/her own textbook. Not borrowed book.
4 A good textbook even for 4th grade would be useful
3 Q`12: There is no curriculum for math in Mont. Co.
Q14: Having a curriculum would be helpful (with a textbook).Such as SRA, Chicago Math from University of Illinois, Singapore Math, etc.
3 Each child should be given a math book! To help reinforce ideas and concepts presented by the teacher in the classroom. A math book also helps parents to work with the child at home. Our county money should be given to public schools for math textbooks before school funding!
4 The children need math books, materials that they can refer back to if they have a question or need to review. They need a set curriculum, with testing to see if they actually learned the material covered.
3 Standard curriculum is needed, i.e. math books
3 Also I think MATH BOOKS (not available at [ ]) are essential. They can be used to review the lesson learned in school that day, and us older parents can use the "new" correct language!
My most important point would be that all students need books. Some of our parents at [ ] use their old books or have to purchase books to use at home with their children.
1 Individual textbooks
5 More referral to a textbook for students own review at home when they need extra help
4 Students need to have textbooks in math so parents can more easily follow along with what is going on in the classroom. Skills are not reinforced very well. Multiple opportunities exist during homework to show [illegible]
1 Textbook! Even 1st grade needs a good textbook (& workbook) so a student can do preparations & reviews better.
2 Q11: Yes. But I wish we had a book or workbook -- so that we at home can move along and learn more of the curriculum
3 Textbook use
6 Math text books for parents in an easy to understand
6 The kids need TEXTBOOKS!!! If there were a textbook she could refer to, she (and I) would have no problems.
6 Q14: Needs a book!
Better resources for parents to help with homework & skill development at home
3 Permit students (encourage) them to bring math books home so the parents can have a better understanding of what is being taught at their present time in order to be a more effective helper
1 Use textbooks & workbooks instead of one-sheet handouts;
2 More resources when a child doesn't understand. Books circulate to parents so they can help.
5 Use of textbooks and less stressful homework so learning and confidence rather than frustration can occur. Do away with the summer math packet.
5 Would like to see more books to explain the sections when one child needs help. There is never a proper book to help.
2 More resources when a child doesn't understand. Books available to parents so they can help.
5 A need for textbooks to be brought home so that parents can assist properly with the child's homework.
5 Would like to see more books to explain the sections when our child needs help. There is never a proper book to help with assignments if they do not understand.
3 Curriculum: There is no text and we do not know what is being taught and what will be taught.
8 Less handouts -- more organized book instruction
5 We need to have textbook (books), to know what is going on in math class and have reference to go to.
5 It would be good to have a parent's book guide to help the kids at home
4 Send home textbooks and detailed curriculum for each grade.
7 A good textbook that is parallel to the curriculum that the student can keep at home for reference for homework & review
3 More practice in class. Need textbooks at all times so parents can explain math the way it is currently taught.
2 Also, I think math workbooks would be good to use instead of copied worksheets. It would also be helpful for information to be sent home explaining what type of math is covered during the school year.
1 We need to shift away from the "worksheet" method. Finishing the worksheet/project has become more important than understanding the concepts.
3 Less/fewer worksheets
6 Distribute textbooks that match the curriculum so students can have a resource to go to when they have questions on homework.
8 The textbook is not helpful at all. Also, the teacher tends to skip around the text & therefore, it tends to be confusing when tests roll around & we sometimes miss a section. If I did not help with homework, it would not get done correctly. My help & input are absolutely necessary.
5 Books need to explain more or give more examples
9 Math text is very poor in area of clear & logical explanation
5 The math curriculum for 2000-2001 is very difficult to help any 2 children grade 5 and 8. Both of them have a textbook to keep at home. (It was told to use as a reference). What they learn at school is based on the workbook. There are a number of what they learned in school are NOT IN THE TEXTBOOK. THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY.
10 Better textbooks
4 Good, appropriate textbooks.
5 Clearer textbooks
3 New books -- 16 years old!
11 Better, more clear and logical textbooks
4 More informative texts, more consistent quantities of homework
The Singapore Math textbooks show promise, but the pilot has been difficult:
Pleased with Singapore Math:
4 Use Singapore Math PLEASE!
5 All elementary schools should use the Singapore Math program.
4 Actually, I am quite pleased with the Singapore Math Curriculum this year!
1 We have been satisfied with the Singapore Math in our school [ ]. More time-telling skills could be added.
1 Please give the Singapore Math program a chance -- it seems like a good program!
More parent information on Singapore Math:
1 More info on how to help with Singapore Math at home. It is a whole new vocabulary and concept. I think it is good, but is difficult for me to help; my children.
4 We are using Singapore math. Parents need to be more informed about how it works. Not just at the beginning of the year, but throughout. It's different than how we did math.
4 Much better advanced parent education about the Singapore Math Program. I am very dissatisfied with the amount of parental preparation which did not begin until AFTER my child began Singapore Math.
4 Singapore Math -- need examples of the "process" so parents can support it at home. Our elem school provided an information nite to parents about the Singapore program -- very helpful.
Difficulties with Singapore Math:
2 I liked a lot about the Singapore math & showing more theory behind the math, but think it needs to be added to, so it will cover more areas related to middle prerequisites & math guidelines.
4 It is hard to introduce a new curriculum [Singapore Math] to children who have doing one type of math for several years then have them start to learn a new concept. The new curriculum should begin in the lower grades and move up as the child advances in grades per year.
2 Singapore Math moves too fast for students that haven't mastered basic skills such as addition table, multiplication tables, subtraction tables, and division.
4 Our school participates in Singapore Math. No textbooks were available. No parent information available. Too much homework. Poor instructions and little or no examples on homework assignments. Some nights we spent up to 2 hours on math homework only. One after school session of 45 min. was offered to explain Singapore concept. I don't think 9 year olds should have the responsibility to teach their parents math concepts! Homework phrasing was confusing to students.
3 Get rid of Singapore Math. The teacher have no material for instructing Singapore Math. The teachers are rushing the students to complete the 3math workbooks. I do not know what the 3rd grade curriculum is. The students need to master a skill before they can move on. The students need to know their multiplication facts before they move on to double digit and triple digit multiplication. The Singapore word problems are very confusing. My child doesn't know if he needs to divide or multiply in the word problems. I feel that my child has lost a year in math because of this program. Before 3rd grade my child's favorite subject was math. He doesn't enjoy it anymore. He feels very frustrated!
9 I am dismayed by what I hear from the parents of younger re: the Singapore approach. I'm so glad my son escaped it! (well--except for his 8th grade Algebra teacher)
3 Not sure I am in agreement with Singapore math. My daughter's teacher goes over the material and then they work on their workbooks. Then the teacher reads out the answers and the students correct their own work. Their math book and math workbooks never come home. I have no idea what my child is doing. One day I observed my child's class. She had every story problem incorrect. I had to tell the teacher. How can the teacher know what's going on? My child's daily papers (not part of the Singapore books) have A's & B's. But when she takes a comprehensive test she gets C's, D's & E's. Something is wrong somewhere.
2 In the Singapore Math notebook, the words need to be adapted to America, i.e. incorrect spelling: colour, aeroplanes, neighbour. Sample names from notebook that are impossible to pronounce, especially for a 7 year old: Suha, Huili, Meihua, Meiling, Meingli, Siti, Sumin, Fatimah, Weimin, Hassan, Raju, Devi, Sufen, Minghu, Cik, Fatimah, Gopal
What are these? These words are in the notebook in math comprehension problems: mangosteen, fishballs, curry balls, durians, trishaw, stick of satay, MRT = Malaysian Rapid Transit
This is unacceptable for children trying to learn advanced math and trying to figure out a different language.
3 We are in a new math program Singapore Math, so I can't tell as of yet.