As Education World reported recently, parents have had some concerns about Common Core math. In response, some schools across the country are teaching parents Common Core standards, so it is easier for them to help their children at home.

In Rochester, New York, parent Jennifer Craig found herself staring at her daughter's math homework "lost", said an article on WashingtonPost.com. Shortly after, Craig found herself in her daughter's classroom learning Common Core mathematics with other parents.

Most U.S. public school students, "are learning math very differently than their parents did, due to Common Core State Standards, national K-12 math and reading benchmarks that have been adopted by 43 states and the District of Columbia," the article said. The changes have confused many parents — particularly at the elementary level — leaving them flustered by a basic parental duty: Helping with homework."

"Rochester is one of many school districts across the country teaching parents the new Common Core math in addition to their children," the article said. "From New York to California, school districts are holding special math sessions for parents and caregivers, sending home 'cheat sheets' and offering homework hotlines answered by math teachers, all in an effort to explain and demystify the new approach."

“They’re a little frustrated because they can’t help their kids,” said Bill Hanlon in the article, who directs professional development for math teachers in five Nevada school districts. “One of the messages I give to teachers is that if you’re going to send home stuff that parents have not seen before, send a note explaining, this is what we’re doing and why and a couple of examples. Otherwise, you’re going to get a lot of complaining.”

Read the full story. 

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor