WESTERLY, R.I. -- Any adult who has tried to help a second-grader with homework has noticed math is not what it used to be.

Now schools are unlocking the secrets of Common Core math for mystified parents.

They're holding special classes or giving out materials designed for adults so they can help children with their math homework.

After parents learn the strategies, educators say, they're more willing to get on board with Common Core math.

In Westerly, teachers and administrators gathered recently in a classroom full of adults as part of a free three-part series called "Parents Can Help With Math," run by the Westerly Parent Academy.

During the 90-minute session, educators demonstrated different ways to solve basic math problems. Parents then were put into groups to do an exercise children might do in the classroom.

Children eventually will learn traditional algorithms, the educators explained, but will have a solid foundation in understanding what numbers mean and being able to justify their thinking.

"We want to develop flexible thinking, so if they hit a roadblock, they have multiple places they can go," said Polly Gillie, principal of Dunn's Corners Elementary School. "It all comes back to real-world application and mental math."