So why are fifth grade math concepts kicking my butt?
Each week my daughter gets a grid of 9 squares of homework assignments to choose from. And each week we make her do all nine. Unfortunately, I've noticed that as the years have progressed, the methods of teaching math have changed since I was a boy. (As I write this sentence, I realize I sound like a grandfather from a 70s sitcom.) This means that when I read instructions for certain problems, they ask for my daughter to figure out math problems in ways I never learned, or using terminology (algorithm, for example) that I associate with much more complex math.
So my request for all JCPS teachers is to help us help our kids. It's tough for us to help with homework when we don't understand or remember the concepts covered. Point us to sections in a textbook, websites on Google, or provide us with a handout that explains concepts within the homework. And please, please, please, check over your examples. I am now 35% balder because I spent an hour trying to figure out the concept behind a sample problem because the numbers in the problem didn't match the numbers in the sample solution.