Links for Parents

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to "preparing all students for college, career, and life."

The foundation's goal is for all students—regardless of race or family income—to graduate from high school prepared to succeed in college, career, and life. All students, all schools, everywhere.

Below are some articles based on research done by the Gates Foundation.

Improving Math Performance -- Gates Foundation
Towards a More Comprehensive Conception of College Readiness -- Gates Foundation

Math: Most important for success in college math is a thorough understanding of the basic concepts, principles, and techniques of algebra. This is different than simply having been exposed to these ideas. Much of the subsequent mathematics they will encounter draw upon or utilize these principles. In addition, having learned these elements of mathematical thinking at a deep level, they understand what it means to understand mathematical concepts deeply and are more likely to do so in subsequent areas of mathematical study. College-ready students possess more than a formulaic understanding of mathematics. They have the ability to apply conceptual understandings in order to extract a problem from a context, use mathematics to solve the problem, and then interpret the solution back into the context. They know when and how to estimate to determine the reasonableness of answers and can use a calculator appropriately as a tool, not a crutch.

Rethinking High School: Supporting All Students to be College Ready in Math -- Gates Foundation

Rethinking High School: Preparing Students for Success in College, Career, and Life -- Gates Foundation


Here are some links about assessment.

Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment

Five “Key Strategies” for Effective Formative Assessment

Improving the Way We Grade Science


The Transition Math Project has developed a student and parent portal with up-to-date math planning resources, tips and tools that will help you talk to your child about the importance of math in being college- and work-ready.

Here is an article describing how parents can help with math homework when the answers aren’t in the book.