Everyday Math Program in elementary school

[KarenC]

Our school districts use the University of Chicago programs through high school. I hated it when my kids were young because I couldn't get used to not memorizing math facts. But as they've gotten older, I see that they have a MUCH stronger math foundation than I ever had. Overall, our school districts' test scores reflect strength in math and science.

My daughter is currently taking the 4th calculus class in the series for engineering majors in college and the material is still review for her from high school. The kids from the local parochial school, who have a more traditional math program, and that go to the public high school are at a big disadvantage math-wise when there. So the program definitely has its strengths, but it's probably hard to transition to or from.

 

[missyc]

Just a little update.....
DD is struggling to do tonights homework which is simple addition. The problem she's having? She doesn't get the estimating part. First they do the actual problem. 215+124=334, then they have to do a ballpark estimation which is 220+120=340 (they have to come up with the correct estimation, then work the problem).
She has NO problem and can zip through the whole page of the REAL problems in 2 minutes, it's just this stupid estimation that is confussing to her.

 

[micki7337]

Our school district also uses Everyday Math. I had problems trying to figure it out back when DS was in 1st but now it makes some sense. Altho, I have to admit there are times when I just say I don't understand. Other than EM being different from what I learned, i really don't have a problem with it. In a lot of ways it makes sense to introduce concepts and skills that are reinforced until mastered. DS' 5th grade assessment came a few days ago - above average in algebra and geometry concepts - only average in Trigonometry. And to think I had to wait until 9th grade before someone even mentioned the word algebra.