Mathematics Education Articles for Parents and Guardians

Not only students are learners; parents must be learners too! Here you will find articles on many topics in mathematics education that provide information and insights into how students learn from pre-school through high school, and the role that parents and families can play in a child's success in this important subject.

The articles made available for download on this page are meant to increase parents' and guardians' knowledge* of mathematics education in three key areas: curriculum (what we teach), instruction (how we teach), and assessment (how we measure what students learn from our teaching).

◊ The Mathematics Students Study in California Schools

The mathematics students study in Kindergarten through 7th grade has changed dramatically over the last dozen years. This article explains the five subjects, or stands, of mathematics that the California Curriculum Standards mandate that students study EVERY year.

◊ What Parents Should Know About High School Math

The high school mathematics courses that are now offered, and the current requirements for graduation and entrance into college, have changed dramatically over the last ten years. Even if you haven't taken these courses yourself, you can help your high school student succeed in mathematics by understanding just what is required now to succeed at this level.

◊ Frequently Asked Questions About K–6 Math Programs 

It's too much to expect all parents to know everything about their children's mathematics education. We all learn by asking questions—this article is a list of frequently asked questions about current topics and issues in the math classroom.

◊ Helping at Home with Homework 

Helping your child at home with his or her math homework is not always easy. In this article, several suggestions are provided to assist parents and guardians in helping their students, even when they may not remember all the math. Learn how to ask the right questions!

◊ Mathematics Learning Resources for Parents

When you need assistance, a helpful book or web site, or have math questions that need answering, there are great resources to turn to. In this article, a choice selection of mathematics education books and web sites are listed. They provide a place to begin when you need some help.

◊ Understanding the California Mathematics Standards

The California Mathematics Curriculum Standards are the key to understanding the mathematics that is taught at each grade level from Kindergarten through high school. In this article you can read about some of the basics topics and concepts outlined in the Standards and where to go if you want to know more!

◊ Testing in California Public Schools, Part 1

Testing and test scores have become critical indicators of student's and schools' success in teaching and learning mathematics. In this article, you will learn what every parent should know about the STAR testing program in California K?12 public schools.

◊ Why Teach Problem Solving? Part 2

In Part 1 or this article, you learned the "why" of Problem Solving. In Part 2, you'll learn what every parent should know about how to help and support their student in learning to be a good problem solver!

◊ Ten Good Problems to Solve with Your Family

One can never have too many problems—good, stimulating problems to solve together as a family, that is. Here is a small collection of interesting math problems for families with 4th through 8th graders. Can you solve them?

Please check back periodically for new articles and activities that will be posted on this For Families page. We hope this new section of the CMC web site will prove useful to you as parents helping students see the beauty and fascination of the mathematics, a subject that can be learned and appreciated by ALL.