This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
There have been many debates regarding the effectiveness of home schooling versus public schooling. Some agree that individualized attention and small class sizes are a bonus for home schoolers.
Now, parents and officials at West High School have found a way to combine the best of both home-schooling and public schooling, in one of the state's first in-school, home-school cooperative programs.
Parents of West students, led by parent Kate Little, came up with the idea for an in-school class that would be taught by parent volunteers. The Art of Problem Solving class was born, and advanced math students began lining up to take it.
"We started the class because there was a large group of students interested in mathematics at an advanced level," Little said.
"I look forward to this class because it challenges me," said Delian Asparouhov, 13, whose parents volunteer teach the class regularly.
A staff teacher tends to the class, but all of the lessons are taught by parent teachers, many of whom have earned advanced degrees in fields requiring mathematical applications.
Tihomer Asparouhov is a statistician by profession. Along with his wife, Elena, who is a professor of finance at the University of Utah, he takes his turn. Tihomer, who spends his days developing mathematical algorithms used for analyzing data, said he thinks it's important for parents to be involved with their child's education.
"There are two factors to consider: First, parents play an important role for students, and I love math," said Tihomer.
According to Little, the Art of Problem Solving class helps students prepare for life using mathematical equations.
"They have to learn problem-solving skills, including where to begin and understanding the problem presented," Little said. "This class presents some marvelous problems that challenge students."
Six volunteer parents take turns teaching, introducing students to mathematical concepts such as statistics and combinatorics.
Little said the students are excited about learning mathematics and like being challenged by the advanced work.
"This kind of math and problem-solving is deeper than standard math. It's almost like a deep brain massage," Little said.
While the program has been successful, Little said she hopes the inspiration doesn't stop there, and that other in-school cooperatives will follow.
"It's not just about kids learning math," Little said. "It's about an exciting tool to help education."