Click here for the sequence & scope of mathematics (K-12)
What are the optimal conditions for effective math instruction?
The sequence and scope of mathematics as defined by grade level in the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards can be an exhaustive treatise for overwrought teachers, parents and students. The powers that be have created a labyrinthine infrastructure of benchmarks designed to unite the islands under an umbrella of criterion-based uniformity. While the gurus have streamlined programs of study across the state and aligned local curriculums with national directives, they may have also exacerbated the very disorder they set out to eradicate. At the elementary level, math is about ordering, comparing, classifying, converting, visualizing and calculating. At its most critical phase, math is not only about constructing a broad and lucid foundation for algebra, geometry, and calculus, but also about grooming young minds for prospective work in business, engineering and science. While raising standards and improving critical thinking skills are important, creating a nurturing learning environment with an emphasis on simplicity and straightforwardness is of paramount importance. In sum, we may not be able to persuade a child to love math, but we should be able to encourage the child to love doing difficult math in a simple way.
Why do I emphasize the long division algorithm?
The earlier a child is able to perform long division, the more proficient he or she will be executing multi-stepped processes in Algebra, Geometry and beyond. In fact, all the algorithms of arithmetic are preparatory for algebra, since there are strong analogies between the arithmetic of ordinary numbers and the arithmetic of polynomials (by virtue of the decimal system). Also, the division algorithm is significant for the later understanding of real numbers. The role of long division is not just to divide one rational number by another, but also to provide the initial exposure of crucial topics in the core applications of mathematics (incl. understanding place value, defining the algorithm with remainder algebraically, converting fractions to decimals, explaining the decimal portion of the quotient thru geometry, etc). Standard algorithms of arithmetic are more than just ways to get the answer; they have theoretical and practical significance as well. For Calculus, the child’s experience of carrying long division past the decimal point is his or her first experience with infinite processes of any kind converging.
What does private school admissions preparation entail?
For grades 6 and 7, there are 1,000+ students contending for approximately 150 openings (at each grade level) at Oahu’s top private schools. Applicants are accepted, waitlisted or denied based on the following criteria: academic performance, SSAT score, teacher / counselor / principal / coach recommendations, extracurricular activities, and the personal interview / essay / portfolio. For every student, impressive grades and qualifying SSAT scores are not assurances of acceptance due to the aforementioned limited number of openings. However, grinding through an intensive SSAT test preparation program not only reinforces what the child has learned, but also provides invaluable groundwork for higher-level reading and mathematics regardless of whether the child is admitted to or denied by his or her school of choice.
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Most Learning Centers |
Math Teacher and Test Prep |
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Learning centers employ intelligent yet inexperienced tutors who are oftentimes unfamiliar with the intricacies of the tutorial center’s SSAT curriculum. |
I use my 10+ years of teaching / curriculum-development / test-preparation experience to particularize an exacting program of study to maximize the student’s chances of success.
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