The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) recent publication, Catalyzing Change in High School Mathematics, calls for significant changes in high school-level mathematics courses. Although these changes could take a few years to be approved and implemented, you should prepare your children now so they have a better chance of succeeding in their high school math classes. Hiring a math instructor could help your child close any gaps in their skills and ensure they are prepared for more advanced courses at the high school level.

Recommended Changes From NCTM

Although more high school students are enrolling in advanced math classes, test scores have remained relatively static. Worse, many of these students are unprepared for college-level coursework. Not only have U.S. students fallen behind their international peers, but they’re also ill-equipped with skills needed to navigate the professional world they’ll enter as adults.

To address stagnant test scores and a lack of problem-solving skills, the NCTM has proposed several changes to improve comprehension and retention for students in high school math classes. Perhaps the biggest and most important change is a focus on four Essential Concepts, which cover numbers, algebra, statistics and probability, and geometry and measurement. These are what the NCTM refers to as “critical concepts and skills that, regardless of a state’s, province’s, or district’s standards, students should acquire, retain, and be able to use long after high school.”

Prepare Your Child Now for Upcoming Changes

To master the proposed Essential Concepts, students need a strong foundation. Even if the proposed changes don’t become a reality, a student with knowledge gaps will have a harder time with upper-level math. Identifying those gaps early and addressing them will ensure your child’s high school years are more successful and enjoyable.

The best way to help your child prepare for high school math is to hire a reputable math learning and tutoring center. The professionals should not only have expertise in mathematics and its applications, but also be informed about potential changes that could affect your child in the future. Working regularly with an experienced math instructor gives your child ample opportunity to practice and master the skills they’ll need in the future.

If you want your child to work with the best math instructor, enroll them at Mathnasium® of South Windsor in Connecticut. They use a proven approach and tailored learning program to ensure the tutoring services they provide meet every child’s individual needs. With their help, your child will begin their high school math classes with a strong foundation and a renewed sense of confidence. Visit their website to learn more about their custom tutoring approach, or call (860) 432-7794 to speak with someone about your child’s needs.