Geometry Regents in Buffalo, NY
I have a daughter in public high school. She is currently enrolled in Regents Geometry. This is her first time taking this course. At the end of last year, her Algebra teacher recommended her for placement in Advanced Geometry. A couple of weeks prior to the start of school I carefully asked her to consider changing her math from Advanced Geo. to Regents Geometry.
My daughter is a high honor roll student and excels in all subjects. She is self motivated, goal oriented and does all homework and studying for exams independently. Mathematics has always been her most challenging subject. Although, she is rewarded for her efforts by receiving "A's", it is not without blood, sweat and tears. The anxiety level is so thick on an almost nightly basis during homework completion when she was an Algebra student and since the first day of school as a Geometry student.
I typically receive favorable feedback from teachers regarding her class participation (class contribution, asking questions, etc.). Currently, she refuses to ask for help or for the teacher to provide clarification during class instruction. The reason she gave is as follows: in front of the entire class, a fellow student asked the teacher to explain something that the teacher had just stated (but did not define/describe/teach in the student's and my daughter's perception). The teacher told the student that these concepts are so very basic and elementary that if she did not understand them that she did not belong in this class (meaning the lower level, non-regents class that doesn't count toward graduation, is the one she should be in if she asks another question like that)...is the message heard. Fact or fallacy, is not going to put herself in this same position and despite the fact that math help is available M-F 7:00-7:35 a.m. and after school by appt. she doesn't want her teacher to know that she does not understand.
Rachel explained that concepts and foundational skills are not taught but merely stated. The mathematical terminology is said but their application (how, when, why) is not provided. When higher level geometrical concepts are introduced and/or are to be solved, she does not have the necessary foundational skills to be successful.
At open house this past Monday night, her teacher's explained to the class full of parents that she looks at homework completion and assigns 2 pts. if done, 1 pt. if partially done, pts. if nothing done. She said points are assigned for completion only, not accuracy as she does not have time to grade everyone's homework. Unit Tests are the way she knows if students are mastering the material, she explained.
So, all this to say, my daughter is frantic b/c she had her first test and got a percentage somewhere in the low to mid 70's. She's been saying since day one she doesn't know what is going on. She spends hours online trying to teach herself Geometry.
I need for her to have the "ah ha" moments in class where it connects for her b/c you made it make sense for her ahead of time. So now she's excited inside b/c she gets it, and that will give her confidence and eventually replace the ever present high anxiety. You know? Maybe starting with the test content from the unit they just finished. A new unit was started this week I believe.
All this for $25 an hour!!! LOL! Please, please tell me you have availability to meet with her to see if it is a good fit.
How soon can we schedule? Thrs, 9/24, 1st choice: any time after 7:30p.m. 2nd choice: 3:20-4:20pm. My cell is (phone number available after purchase). Please just call or text yes or no so I don't miss your contact. TYSVM!
Sent by Tracey on 9/24/15
