Help with 6th grade math catch-up
Hi community. Due to some transition issues, it looks like my sixth grader is not going to be fully caught up on the math standards for his grade. I would love either a short summer intensive, a self-paced online course, homeschool curriculum or a class/tutor that would be specifically geared towards getting him fully up to speed and run by someone familiar with the sixth grade curriculum, rather than a 'fun with math' kind of program. This isn't a learning issue, he's strong in math, but an exposure issue--he just needs to be introduced to the concepts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated--Oakland area would be easiest but nearby would be doable. Thanks in advance.
Feb 22, 2017
Parent Replies
Do Kumon over the summer. They will test him to see what level/concepts he needs to start at, and then he will work his way through packets. It's redundant and your kid will dread it (they have to do 20 minutes daily). However, it is amazing at reinforcing concepts.
Seems to me that Kumon (or Sylvan) would be your last choices because you mentioned that your child is strong in math and needs exposure to concepts. Kumon (& Sylvan) support practice in basic math procedures and skills but do little to help a student understand the deeper knowledge concepts in the new Common Core Math Curriculum. Check the CA Common Core Math Standards internet links as well as your school district's website for more details on this. As well, whatever curriculum is being used at your child's school will also have a website with "parent resources."
In addition, there are a number of excellent private learning specialists and extra-curricular math programs in the East Bay Area and they can help your child get caught up to grade level math concepts in an enjoyable and effective manner. BPN has a list of community professionals and tutoring services and BPN Archives have many referrals and reviews.
What you are looking for is available in the East Bay. Maybe try your "Nextdoor" online network for specific local referrals. When my son was younger, he periodically went to Evan Delageane, who used Making Math Real© methods, and this was sooo helpful. Unfortunately, Evan has moved out of the area.
Check BPN Archives,
take care,
Local Parent of a teen