Getting things right gets you to the next grade level. In Kumon, it’s just not getting the student to reach grade level that is important. What is important is helping him/her to go beyond grade level. In fact, the Kumon method is designed so students will proceed beyond grade level as they work through the worksheets. Parents and Instructors should not encourage students to work just beyond grade level; they should expect their children to do so.
A key principle of the Kumon method is to enable students to reach high school level math through self learning. How does Kumon do this? Part of the answer to this question has to do with the supplemental nature of Kumon. For elementary school age youngsters, Kumon presents only the essential material needed to do high school math. Kumon worksheets contain about 40% of elementary school math curriculum, about 60% of middle school math curriculum and 100% of high school math curriculum.
By simply focusing on the concepts that are critical to success in high school math, Kumon allows students to progress at a reasonable rate. In most cases, Kumon will enable a student to reach grade level in six months to one year. By using a low starting point in our program, Kumon Instructors assist your youngster in achieving grade level. Along with the content and main focus of the Kumon method, a low starting point builds confidence and fills learning gaps.
In fact, a student’s success in Kumon is not restricted to their school grade level. It is not uncommon for an elementary school age youngster to be able to do math at the middle and high school levels. When they reach high school, math will be easy, or at least, less difficult.
While Kumon students are expected to do well in school, Kumon’s goal is not simply to accomplish this. Our focus is learning math, learning as much as they can, and on achieving the highest grade level possible. Doing well in school, however, can be a great incentive for the student to continue in Kumon and strive for greater advancement.
But achieving grade level is not the end. It is just the beginning! Kumon wants our students to study hard and achieve as high a grade as possible. No social promotion here. Grade level is earned, not given away. Progress is documented by careful record keeping of student achievements. In Kumon, most students will achieve grade level in one year. In spite of this likelihood, parents frequently ask: “Can my son or daughter really reach grade level by simply doing worksheets for 15-20 minutes a day with such a low starting point?” The worksheets, and much hard work by the student and the parents, can turn these minutes into a lifetime of success. See you at the next grade level!
by Dr. David E. Weischadle, Education Specialist
