(NAPSA)—If you thought you were done with homework, you may want to redo the math. Most middle and high school students receive up to three hours of homework per night, and they are turning to mom for help, say surveys by Texas Instruments and Tutor.com. Highty-eight percent of moms surveyed say they help their kids with homeworkat least once or twice per week, with more than 50 percent of them struggling to help their children. Homework can be a challenge, especially in subjects such as math, where one lesson builds off of the previous one. Succeeding in mathis critical because, according to the Department of Education, by the time today’s high school students graduate, more than 6 million jobs will require backgrounds in math, science or engineering. People with strong math backgrounds are more likely to be employed and earn more, even if they have not goneto college. Polly Carlson, a math and science tutor for Tutor.com, says that she sees many students struggle with math, particularly once they reach middle and high school, when concepts become more complex. According to Carlson, a good homeworkstrategy starts with giving yourchildren the resources For example, if your child Providing students the right tools is important to success. These students are using the TI-Nspire graphing calculator (Texas Instruments) to deepen their math understanding. they need to be successful. “I recommend students take advantageof critical tools such as graphing calculators, which help them visualize math concepts and make connections,” says Carlson. “Using online homework help and tutoring services such as Tutor.com is a convenient way to get expert, one-to-one help 24/7.” Carlson has several tips for parents seeking to help their students this school year: Figure out weak spots and provide resources to help increase student achievement—Rarely do students excel in every subject, and getting them the tools they need to succeed is key. needs math help, research shows that students do better when they use a graphing calculator at home and in class. The right calculator can help improve student understanding from middle school through college, and many graphing calculators are allowed on the SAT, ACT and state exams. Know whereto go for help— Ask teachers or school counselors for advice or go online. Many parents and kids are finding help from online tutoring services, such as Tutor.com, to help students keep up. Eat well and get rest—There is no substitute for good health, so make sure your children are getting what they need physically to function at the top of their mental game. Encourage them to take breaks, grab a snack or go outside for some downtime. Visit TIMathRocks.com and Tutor.com for homework help, tutorials and tips on which graphing calculator is right for your child. As for other tips to help your student succeed this year, Carlson advises: “Learning doesn’t end when the school day lets out. The support students receive at home is critical to a strong academic foundation, especially in math and science.”
