How can a parent assist with homework when math studies have changed?

Any teachers out there, please help! Back in the day, (I'm not that old), fifteen years ago, you learned with text books, and repetiveness; now math is based on perception, logic, investigation theories, and elimination processes. This is great for the word problems but when a child comes home and hasn't been taught basic multiplication, how can a parent help? It's like learning math all over again, in another confusing way, for parents. What websites offer assitance to parents, and how do I deal with teachers about this issue? So far, (after a conference) all I've been told is to jump on board, this is how things are now, however this offers no solution for assisting a child with their studies. To assist in responses, please know that I'm an active volunteer for my district (6 years), PTA, room mom, but like many, I still am confused over this..it's all about FCATS and standardized testing, but no basic understanding.. Please help.. what can I do as a parent, to help my child?

I know where you are coming from. I had the same problem helping my childern with thier math. I had to take their books and read and study myself. I wish i could give you a good answer. It was a struggle but we got through it.. I felt helpless though and we didnt get all the answers right but we finally got enought that they got into sometime i could help them with..this new math they are doing now days makes algabra seem simple

the math is the same...
i can assure you children are not really learning anything different
from what a generation or two ago learnt.

and you can simply teach them the multiplication tables...
no biggy.
dont get scared... it is not that difficult, it is just math!

just use your common sense....
and try to talk to the teachers... they are your best allies.
Also, take your child to a school where they place an emphasis on learning the basics... no so much of the exploration sort of thing.

learn with them, or hire a tutor. My parents were no longer able to help me by 7th grade.

My wife's father was a mechanical engineer and he could no longer help my wife when she entered college. Hire a tutor if you need to, it's extremely important that your child learn, and you can set a good example by learning with them.

Basic multiplication doesn't change. 7 X 7 is still 49

As to the other - I went to school and got my own grades once and I have no compelling need or reason to do homework again when I am not getting the credit for it. My daughter goes to school now and gets her OWN grades. If she is struggling in a subject, then she needs to get with her teacher and get a different/better explanation - in other words, make the teacher teach.

Many schools have older kids, typically from the National Honor Society, that tutor after school. There are also many outside resources available to get help for kids that are struggling. Check your yellow pages if your child needs ongoing help.