New Math

As we begin the year I know many parents will notice a difference in the student work and assignments coming home.  Most notably is our new math curriculum that is now in line with the Common Core standards.  The work is very different. Our old curriculum used to be called “a mile wide and an inch deep”- the new curriculum is the opposite.  Children are now asked to show and use multiple methods to solve a problem.  The process and tasks are very different from the way we learned.  An excellent resource for parents is www.learnzillion.com.  This site has videos that explain the methods associated with the new curriculum so you can better assist your child if he/she needs help. In addition the parent portal at http://www.cgcs.org/site will provide a road map for the content on each grade

The expectation for students is clearly different. In addition to an increase in the rigor of materials we are asking them to think differently.  While this is different it doesn’t mean it can’t be done.  I am confident that our children and teachers will adapt to the changes in front of us and we all will be better for it.   It is important throughout this process to continue to instill in our children the love of learning and the fun associated with conquering challenging problems and tasks.

Each school has planned parent workshops in the Fall. Information is on the District calendar.