In a recent DreamBox Learning survey, 528 parents
took the time to share their insights on their kids’ educational
experiences. Their children’s ages ranged from 4 - 8 years old,
and were very evenly split between boys and girls. Following are some
highlights that we thought teachers would find interesting. (You can
read a summary of the full survey results by
clicking here.)
Math and literacy are equally important, but don’t get equal attention at home
Parents are spending a lot more time with their
children on literacy activities than on math, even though, by a very
significant margin, they believe literacy and math are equally important
for their children’s futures.
72 % of parents also believe that literacy teaching
is individualized at school, while only 50% report that math teaching is individualized.
In terms of homework, a strong majority feel their
kids are getting about the right amount. Not surprisingly for the early
elementary age group, the biggest percentage (38%) reported their child
is bringing home less than 10 minutes of math homework each week; another
33% reported 10-30 minutes each week.
Many believe schools are helping erase the “gender gap” in math education
A majority of parents, 63%, do not perceive a
gender gap in math education. Many believe the gap has existed but
credit their schools with addressing the gap. However, this issue
elicited an especially high number of comments. Some thought that
there was less of a gap in early elementary grades, but that it may
increase in upper grades.
Parents would like to get more teacher communications
A majority of parents get teacher communications
monthly or only with term report cards, but 56% would prefer more
teacher communications. Only 1% would prefer to get fewer teacher
communications. A majority would prefer to receive emails about their
child’s specific progress, the curriculum, and class activities.
And 46% would like to access this information through a website.
Most parents understand the math curriculum
79% of parents say they understand the math
curriculum being taught in school very well. However, as one might
expect, there were many comments on this question. One parent’s
comment was typical of many: “…the approach is different
than how I learned, but the outcome is the same.” Some touched
on specifics such as: “I like that [the curriculum] is hands-on
with manipulatives — important for 1st graders.”
Most parents believe technology improves education
A very strong majority, 94% of respondents,
believe that computers and technology can enhance the subject matter
being taught in school; 66% believe that technology access will
enhance their child’s ability to learn, and help him or her be successful.
We’d really appreciate hearing your
comments on these issues. It’s easy — just click the
green “RESPOND” link in the box above. If you’d
like to download the full DreamBox survey summary, go to
www.dreambox.com/fullparentsurvey.
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