Parent and Teacher Math Confidence and Skills Are Related to Students' Early Math Success

• In Event: Factors Contributing to Young Children's Learning and Development

Abstract

Despite the importance of early math learning for later success, parents and teachers often lack skills and confidence in supporting children around math. We conducted two national surveys with 604 parents of 3- to 8-year-olds and 600 preschool through 3rd grade teachers to examine the relation between parent and teacher sentiments and experiences, like teacher preparation, and children’s reported math success. Using linear regression, we found that knowledge of child’s math proficiency, parent math skills, and enjoyment are positively related to confidence in child’s math preparation at home, controlling for income and education. Teacher preparation, confidence, and classroom personalization are positively related to students’ reported math performance, suggesting that specific informal and formal math experiences may influence children’s math success.

Authors

• Kelly Sheehan, Age of Learning, Inc.

• Meagan K Rothschild, Age of Learning, Inc.

• Melissa Gussman, Age of Learning, Inc.