ABSTRACT
Generally speaking, most parents really want to support their kids at home. Research shows, however, that parental involvement in math may be less common than with other subjects such as reading. Research consistently indicates that the beliefs and expectations of parents in math predict student achievement in elementary and middle school. The earlier teachers get parents on board, the easier it is to generate and sustain the momentum needed to get kids fluent by the end of elementary school. For a successful home–school partnership, it is critical to maintain a dialogue with parents. With clear grade-level objectives in most states regarding fact fluency, it is normal for parents to grow concerned when it appears that their child is not progressing at the anticipated rate. Sometimes this is a slippery slope because parents may not honor the time it may take for students to engage in a strategy, and get frustrated because an answer is not produced instantaneously.
