A student learns math by becoming proficient with initial foundation skills and then adding to these foundation skills as students advance into each higher grade level. When a student misses a fundamental math skill, they progressively get further behind in math, especially when promoted to next grade level. A good indicator is getting a "C" (or lower) grade in math or fails to turn in homework. As a result, they become frustrated and confused in math and shut down - this is simply human nature. Note, a "C" (or lower) grade means they have gaps in math skills needed to successfully continue on to the next level.
For example:
- Students learn addition skills in 1st grade which prepares them for learning subtraction skills in 2nd grade.
- Students learn multiplication skills in 3rd grade which prepares them for learning division skills in 4th grade.
- And so on.
When a 1st grade student misses being proficient in addition or a 3rd grade student missing being proficient multiplication, they become frustrated and confused by math. Unfortunately, if not immediately addressed, the student falls further behind, loses confidence in their ability, shuts down, and ultimately stops learning math altogether.
At Apex Math, we believe students that have fallen behind can succeed in math. They simply need help filling in the gaps. Also, when this happens, school math teachers are helpless because they cannot take time from the classroom to go over math skills that the student should already know. So the student does not get the help they need.
The Apex Math team understands this happens too frequently and has a process to address it.