OKEMOS - With the implementation of the Common Core across the state, some can argue that a more individualized approach is needed, especially when it comes to math.

Students walking home eager to receive help from their parents on their homework for that night - but only some could be so lucky.

Joel Tillman, Owner & Managing Director, Mathnasium of Okemos says "They understand the math or how to do it the way they were taught it, but the way that it’s being taught now is a little bit different and so that methodology - they don’t really understand.”

Tutoring centers such as Mathnasium can act as a helping hand for parents if they don’t remember or understand how the schools are teaching the material.

“With the implementation of Common Core that that they’re gearing more towards understanding of curriculum, which I think is a good thing; understanding why we do things in math as opposed to just knowing how to do things," Tillman said.

Tillman also says it could simply be the lack of time - which is where practicing the concepts students have learned at home is key for success.

Michigan State University Professor Schmidt says that in order for parents to understand the material, teachers must as well.

“The standards that should be covered at a given grade level are covered; in other words twenty-five percent typically in these books of what should be covered in a grade level is not covered - and so that leaves gaps for these teachers,” said William Schmidt, Director of The Center for the Study of Curriculum, MSU College of Education

Using tools such as the navigator and after-school centers can help bridge the gap in understanding math curriculum for both parents and teachers.

“They get those initial kinks out and they get something that’s fluid and clear and that kids and parents can make sense of so that they can really understand the math,” Tillman said.

Mathnasium is located on Okemos and Jolly Road and is available for after-school and summer tutoring.