The Daily Journal
October 29, 1998

Parents learn how to help kids develop math, science skills

By Susan Watson
Special to The Daily Journal

Vineland -- In an effort to improve students' math and science skills, Barse Elementary School teachers outlined new school standards and presented a hands-on workshop for 30 parents Wednesday night.

The program, Families Achieving the New Standards in Math, Science, and Technology Education, consisted of a video presentation and parents participating in a number of interactive math and science problems.

"Our goal here is to encourage parent involvement when it comes to a child's homework," said Monica Dannenberger, the school's staff development facilitator.

The video showed that students grasp math and science concepts more readily because they are working with each other to learn theories and equations, instead of reading textbooks. By implementing this proactive approach to learning, educators believe students will reach new standards set by the N. J. Board of Education.

Based on new state standards, the average fourth-grade student will understand concepts such as movements of the earth and moon correlate with time progression. The average eighth- grade student will be able to use a graphing calculator while the average high school junior will be able to describe information encoded in genetic material.

"If you're afraid about what your child is learning now, just wait until high school," Dannenberger said.

After an ice breaker activity parents were divided into small groups and asked to figure out how many gallons of water accumulate from a leaky faucet each day. Each team was equipped with measuring cups, eye droppers, water and a calculator.

Parents quickly realized they needed more than basic math skills to solve the problem, they needed to use each other.

"It's amazing to see how much has changed since I've been to school," said Annie Boyd, foster mother of a 7 and 12 year old. "I came tonight to see what was new and to see what makes these subjects interesting for children."

Throughout the evening, organizers emphasized the importance of thinking critically to gain understanding rather that getting the correct calculation.

"I have been so frustrated with my daughter's homework." Rizel Coker said, "Now I can go home and tell her there's not always a right or a wrong answer."

Dannenberger said the school planned to hold the program on Wednesday for parents who could not attend.