Mastering Math

We may not realize it, but we are all infused with mathematical practices from the moment we wake up and throughout the day. Our alarm goes off and we check the time. We measure our coffee, check our finances, and use multiple numbers in some form throughout the day. As adults, we successfully apply mathematical practices in our everyday lives. Students are expected to master the same practices for math competency.

The NYS Next Generation Standards states, “A lack of understanding prevents a student from engaging in mathematical practices.” So, how can parents help foster understanding and make math an intricate part of their child’s life?

A Positive Math Mindset

According to the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, “Parents with a positive attitude towards mathematics are more likely to incorporate mathematical activities and language into the home environment. This additional exposure to these mathematical concepts might create an advantage for these children in their mathematical performance.”

Studies from Stanford University School of Medicine found that, “Having a positive attitude about math was connected to better function of the hippocampus, an important memory center in the brain, during performance of arithmetic problems.”

Although a positive attitude helps, according to the National Council of Teachers of Math, factors such as conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence and adaptive reasoning are also needed for math proficiency.

Math Vocabulary

“Teaching and learning the language of mathematics is vital for the development of mathematical proficiency.” Explicitly teaching math vocabulary can greatly increase conceptual understanding. Word problems can be tricky and math vocabulary can be trickier. Many key vocabulary words have multiple meanings. Misconceptions and errors will occur if the wrong meaning is used in a math word problem.

For useful math vocabulary flashcards, check out: www.vocabulary.com

Math in Everyday Life

  • Use your imagination and create a math problem from everyday activities.
  • Cooking and baking with your child is a great way to introduce measurement and proportion.
  • Gardening is a terrific way to connect nature and math as you practice counting and measuring.
  • Telling time is a life skill and a first grade standard. Practicing telling time with both an analog and digital clock significantly increases a child’s understanding of time.
  • Let your child pay at the store and use cash! It’s an important way to introduce the concepts of money.

At Prep Academy Tutors, we are committed to instilling a positive attitude as we support your child, while teaching mathematical concepts and proficiency. Our certified teachers are experienced in math instruction from pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.  Contact us to learn more.

 

*Written by our staff author and teacher Maryann Moriarty. Maryann has 15 years of teaching experience in New York City and is a contributing author at the Educator’s Room.

Acquiring Computational Thinking with Coding and Robotics

Advancements in technology are growing at a dynamic speed. Schools across the nation are preparing students with the critical skills needed for future academic and career success.  Computational Thinking (CT) is believed to be the highest order of problem solving and many feel it should be the new educational mindset. 

CT is one of the five main tenets in the NYS K-12 Computer Science and Digital Literacy Standards that will be fully implemented by September 2024. 

The standards designate Computational Thinking with the following main components:

Modeling & Simulation: Modeling involves representing a system that enables you to observe, understand or simulate it. These models can be used to simulate real world phenomena.

Abstraction & Decomposition: Abstraction is focusing on key elements and only keeping relevant information.  Decomposition is breaking down a problem into smaller parts so it is easier to comprehend.  

Data Analysis & Visualization: Data Analysis allows you to study the information so you can draw conclusions and make informed decisions. Visualization is when you use graphs and charts to help convey results.

Algorithm & Programming: An algorithm is a sequence of steps used to complete a specific task.  Programming is the process of creating and developing code to perform a specific task. 

By mastering these standards, students will develop the foundational skills needed to solve problems and create solutions.

In a recent eSchoolNews podcast titled, Robotics Plays a Key Role in STEM Education, Jason Innes of Kinderlab Robotics discusses how early childhood education can support STEM learning. He feels, “The best way to teach coding and Computational Thinking in pre-K and Kindergarten is robotics.” He further states, “Seeing a physical robot move around the class makes coding into something concrete.” 

Another study conducted on Educational Robotics for Developing Computational Thinking in Young Learners also found, “Robotics activities for young learners can be versatile and purposeful to achieve the intended CT skills.” It further found,“The five most frequently developed CT skills in young learners are Sequencing, Conditionals, Loops, Debugging and Algorithmic Thinking.” 

These are all components used in coding and robotics. 

Recently, an upstate NY school became the first in the state to fully implement the NYS Computer Science and Digital Literacy Standards with a K-12 coding and robotics program.

With the help of educational apps such as Scratch, Scratch Jr., Kodable, Bee Bot and Photon, students are developing the initial skills of computational thinking. 

But can computational thinking only be developed in computer science classes?

An article published in the “Journal for STEM Education” stated that Computational Thinking should be a “model of thinking” and suggests that it is not only for the students who study computer science. “The development of CT can then be truly integrated into all education for everyone to succeed in STEM education.” (Committee on STEM Education 2018).  

Teaching computational thinking skills across the curriculum encourages innovation, exploration and critical thinking.  

At Prep Academy Tutors, we incorporate strategies that enhance computational thinking across the curriculum, enabling our students to use these critical skills in real world applications. 

 

*Written by our staff author and teacher, Maryann Moriarty. Maryann has 15 years of teaching experience in New York City and is a contributing author at the Educator’s Room.

What Is ISEE?

What is Test-Optional?

Students can now opt-out of standardized testing.  Many colleges (and the list is growing) are now test-optional or test-blind.   

Test-optional means colleges allow applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. It doesn’t mean that schools aren’t interested in seeing an applicant’s test scores, but if a student doesn’t submit their scores, it won’t be counted against them in the application review. Many colleges implement a test-optional policy.  

Test-blind means colleges will not consider an applicant’s test scores even if they are submitted.  Test-blind or test-free policies are much less common than test-optional policies. 

When determining whether to submit scores, students will generally be advised to submit their scores if such scores land within a particular school’s middle 50% range of test scores. Click here to read more about the middle 50% range.

SAT vs. ACT: How to Choose

When choosing whether to take the SAT or the ACT, proper evaluation is worth the effort.  Students should take a full-length, timed practice test for SAT and ACT. Here are some questions to ask yourself that highlight the differences between the SAT and ACT:

  • How do you handle time pressure? 
    • The SAT and ACT tests are similar lengths, but the ACT includes more questions and is therefore faster-paced. The ACT can be well suited for students who process information and work quickly  
  • Do you like science? 
    • Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and earth science is required for the ACT 
  • What kinds of questions do you find challenging? 
    • There is more time allotted per question on the SAT, but areas such as the critical reading passages on the SAT are generally viewed as more sophisticated
  • Do you like to use your calculator on the math sections? 
    • If yes, the ACT allows calculators throughout. The SAT has a no-calculator section

For students interested in comparing scores on the SAT and ACT, the College Board and the ACT organization provide conversion charts to show how composite scores stack up.

ACT FAQs!

The ACT is another standardized test used by colleges to make admissions decisions. The ACT is administered by ACT, a non-profit organization of the same name. The ACT tests students on material associated with the standard high school curriculum.

Key differences between the SAT and ACT include less time per question on the ACT, plus a science section on the ACT. Superscoring is now available for the ACT. All colleges and universities in the US accept both the SAT and the ACT. 

The ACT exam is offered nationally in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. 

FAQs

  • Test Length: 2 hours and 55 minutes
  • ACT:
    • English: 45 minute/75 questions
    • (2) Math: 60 minutes/60 questions
    • (3) Reading: 35 minutes/40 questions
    • (4) Science: 35 minutes/40 questions
    • Writing (optional): 1 essay/60 minutes
  • The optional ACT writing test is available to students for an extra cost.  It is scored separately and does not affect a student’s composite score.
  • Total score is between 1 and 36

Click Here for ACT Dates and Deadlines

Click Here to Register for the ACT

The NEW Digital SAT

The College Board has begun the transition to a digital SAT and PSAT for U.S. and International students. 

Dates To Know:

  • Spring 2023: U.S. students take a paper-and-pencil SAT, International students take a digital SAT
  • Fall 2023: All students take a digital PSAT, U.S. students take a paper-and-pencil SAT, International students take a digital SAT
  • Spring 2024: All U.S. and International students take a digital PSAT and SAT

Important Changes and Digital SAT FAQs:

  • Shortened test: The digital SAT will take 2 hours instead of 3 hours.
  • Adaptive testing format: Allows the digital SAT to measure the same skills as the current SAT more efficiently (in less time). Each section is split into two modules. How you perform on module 1 determines the difficulty of module 2 and is a critical determinant of your final score. The digital test allows students to toggle back-and-forth within a module but not between modules. 
  • Calculators allowed: The digital SAT will allow students to use a calculator throughout the entire math section. 
  • Shorter reading passages: The digital SAT will feature shorter reading passages which will be faster to read and analyze with just one question tied to each passage.

Faster score delivery: Students will receive score reports within days (not weeks).

SAT FAQs!

The SAT is a standardized test used by colleges to make admissions decisions and provide one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. The SAT is created and administered by the College Board. 

High school students opting to take a standardized test, take the SAT during the spring of junior year or fall of senior year. Public schools in Connecticut require all juniors to sit for the SATs. When planning your test prep and testing dates, it’s important to leave time for retakes. Statistics show that students often improve scores with a second attempt. 

The SAT can be superscored. Superscoring combines your best performances from multiple test days into one score that reflects your highest achievements. It’s important to find out the score submission policy for each college you apply to. [Click here to read more about Superscoring]

The SAT is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. 

FAQs

  • Test Length: 3 hours 
  • SAT:
    • Reading: 65 minutes/52 questions 
    • Writing and Language: 35 minutes/44 questions
    • Math No-Calculator: 25 minutes/20 questions
    • Math Calculator: 55 minutes/38 questions
  • In 2021 the College Board discontinued the SAT with Essay 
  • The total score is between 400 – 1600

Click here for SAT dates and deadlines

Click here to register for the SAT

All About Teacher Conferences

Tips for Parents for Successful Teacher Conferences

  • Be on time and end on time. 
  • Plan ahead.  Make a list of questions.  Review them, prioritize them, and ask the most important questions first.
  • If your child receives special services, ask about your child’s progress with these services.  Do they need further accommodations? 
  • Ask for explanations of scores, data, and anything else you don’t understand
  • Seek at-home strategies and what you can do to support classroom instruction at home. 
  • Plan and set a schedule for regular updates from the teacher.
  • Thank the teacher

The Value of Student-Led Teacher Conferences

Many schools are switching to student-led conferences as a way to bolster active participation by students in their own learning.  Are your teacher conferences student-led?

Here’s a list of benefits to students from this type of conference:

  • Provides the opportunity for students to reflect on the school year to date
  • Helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses
  • Encourages students to ask for help in specific areas
  • Enables a discussion about classroom behaviors and social-emotional learning
  • Students are actively involved in setting academic goals
  • Students participate in creating an action plan that students + parents + teachers can use

What Is a Superscore?

Superscores are generated from multiple attempts and retakes of standardized tests (SAT or ACT).  

SAT superscore = Your Highest Math Score + (Your Highest Evidence-Based Reading Score + Your Highest Writing Score).

ACT superscore = The Average of Your Highest Math, Science, English, and Reading Scores.

Colleges do not look poorly upon SAT or ACT retakes.  In fact, 2 out of 3 students raise their scores when they retake the SAT or ACT and therefore strengthen their applications.  Retakes also demonstrate perseverance and show a student’s growth. 

Most colleges, but not all, consider your SAT and/or ACT superscores. Many schools (and the common application) will ask you to list the score and test date of your best individual test scores—for example, your best ACT English, best Math, best Reading, and best Science scores—and then calculate a “super composite” or Superscore based on these scores. Some colleges superscore across all your test dates, and some superscore across the test dates you choose to submit.  

The benefit of superscoring is that your Superscore combines your best performances into one score.  This reflects your highest achievements and allows you to put your best foot forward. Find out the policy for each school you apply to so that you can come up with the best application strategy. 

Other scoring policies include:

  • Single highest test date – this is a student’s single highest test score, regardless of whether it is a student’s most recent score. 
  • All scores required for review – This policy requires students to submit scores from every SAT test date they participated in.