The Oregonian newspaper published a piece recently (March 28, 2010) about the tougher diploma requirements required by the state, especially in mathematics. In the article, Betsy Hammond discusses the challenges graduation requirements will pose to this year's eighth graders. I had previously posted about this topic on January 6, 2010, so feel free to read the blog about it if you haven't had a chance to read Hammond's article in the paper.
Beginning with the class of 2014 (That's this year's eighth grade class.), students in Oregon will have new graduation requirements which include three years of mathematics -- Algebra I and beyond -- and a passing score on the state's mathematics examination. As Hammond pointed out in her article, this may be very difficult given the fact that 48% of Oregon sophomores failed the state test in 2009 and many students come to high school unprepared for Algebra their freshman year.
Tougher standards are needed in Oregon as the graduation requirements for this state have been lower than most others in the U.S. The class of 2010 must now pass three years of math, the class of 2012 needs to meet several new requirements (including a state reading test, three years of science including lab/field work), and graduates in 2013 must meet those requirements plus write an essay that meets state standards.
Schools will make the changes needed to offer required courses, but students may have a hard time succeeding in those classes. So what can parents do to best help their children? Research the new graduation standards and be an active participant in the discussion and implementation of these new standards by working with your child's school/teachers/administration/PTA/PTO. Be an advocate for your child. Be a tutor for your child, especially in the summertime when kids usually forget important skills (or get rusty in their application) from the school year. Send them to math camp, science camp, and/or writing camp. Send them to summer school. But, most of all, let your child know that you are there for him/her and that their future is a high priority. Include your student in the discussion and planning for his/her success!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sylvan Learning’s Goal for March 2, 2010: Encourage Every Child in North America to Read
In celebration of the late Dr. Seuss's 106th birthday on March 2, 2010, children, families and teachers across North America are standing up for the importance of reading. Sylvan Learning Center has partnered with the National Education Association (NEA) to promote Read Across America, a pledge drive to encourage students and parents to read on March 2nd. People of all ages are encouraged to visit www.SylvanLearning.com/ReadAcrossAmerica and pledge to read a story or a book on March 2, 2010. There are two pledges, one for children promising to read, and another for parents and educators vowing to encourage children or students to pursue literary efforts.
Reading is one of life's most important pleasures, as well as a vital part of education. By pledging to pick up a book, children are taking the first step toward a lifelong love of reading, success and learning. This simple pledge makes their commitment to reading real, and increases the likelihood that the child will read a book on March 2nd.
NEA's Read Across America is a year-round literacy campaign designed to motivate children to read by making it fun. The award-winning literacy program is sponsored by the 3.2 million-member National Education Association, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., and more than 50 national partner organizations. Since its inception in 1997, NEA's Read Across America has grown into the nation's largest reading celebration with more than 45 million people participating annually. For more information, visit www.NEA.org.
Reading is one of life's most important pleasures, as well as a vital part of education. By pledging to pick up a book, children are taking the first step toward a lifelong love of reading, success and learning. This simple pledge makes their commitment to reading real, and increases the likelihood that the child will read a book on March 2nd.
NEA's Read Across America is a year-round literacy campaign designed to motivate children to read by making it fun. The award-winning literacy program is sponsored by the 3.2 million-member National Education Association, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., and more than 50 national partner organizations. Since its inception in 1997, NEA's Read Across America has grown into the nation's largest reading celebration with more than 45 million people participating annually. For more information, visit www.NEA.org.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
New Study Finds Achievement Gap Among High Ability Students is Widening
A new report from the Indiana University Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) finds that the achievement gaps among high ability students from all different backgrounds and socioeconomic status is large and growing.
To read more details about this report, visit http://newsinfo.iu.edu/web/page/normal/13369.html
To read more details about this report, visit http://newsinfo.iu.edu/web/page/normal/13369.html
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Helpful Tips to Motivate Your Child to Learn
How did your child do in the first semester of school? Were you pleased with his performance, or do you think there is room for improvement? No matter what letters appeared on his report card, now is the perfect time to help your child get excited about learning.
This can be accomplished by creating an atmosphere in your home that encourages learning.
Sylvan Learning Center of Tualatin, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages and skill levels, offers tips on how to get involved with your child's learning process and help motivate him or her in this new year.
* Have family reading time at least once a week. Utilize Book Adventure, a free Sylvan-created, interactive reading motivation program, at www.bookadventure.com. Kindergarten through 8th grade students choose their own books from more than 7,000 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teachers and parents resources and tips to help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
* Set aside a specific time for homework and studying. Take advantage of this quiet time to sit with your child and work on your paperwork. This visually demonstrates the importance of "work time" to your child.
* If homework was a struggle during the first semester, set up a reward system for this semester. For example, deposit change in a small jar when homework is complete. As soon as the jar is full, treat the whole family to something everyone will enjoy.
* Refresh your child's study space. Make sure that all materials, such as pencil sharpeners, erasers and extra paper are accessible and in adequate supply.
* Create study plans. Have your child do her most challenging assignment first, while she is most focused, then have her work on easier tasks. Finish each homework session with a fun activity.
* Search the Internet with your child to learn more about topics being covered in school.
* Invite your child to participate in cooking or shopping to strengthen his math skills.
* Encourage your child to choose a classmate with whom she can study and swap reading books.
* Get your child organized inside and outside of school. By being organized, your child will have plenty of time to complete all assignments, and he will also learn the value of time management.
* Talk to your child's teachers. The second half of the year can be more challenging than the first. Find out if your child needs extra help in a specific subject in order to keep up with the class.
Learn additoinal educational tips at www.DrRickBlog.com.
This can be accomplished by creating an atmosphere in your home that encourages learning.
Sylvan Learning Center of Tualatin, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages and skill levels, offers tips on how to get involved with your child's learning process and help motivate him or her in this new year.
* Have family reading time at least once a week. Utilize Book Adventure, a free Sylvan-created, interactive reading motivation program, at www.bookadventure.com. Kindergarten through 8th grade students choose their own books from more than 7,000 titles, take short comprehension quizzes and redeem their accumulated points for small prizes. Book Adventure also offers teachers and parents resources and tips to help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
* Set aside a specific time for homework and studying. Take advantage of this quiet time to sit with your child and work on your paperwork. This visually demonstrates the importance of "work time" to your child.
* If homework was a struggle during the first semester, set up a reward system for this semester. For example, deposit change in a small jar when homework is complete. As soon as the jar is full, treat the whole family to something everyone will enjoy.
* Refresh your child's study space. Make sure that all materials, such as pencil sharpeners, erasers and extra paper are accessible and in adequate supply.
* Create study plans. Have your child do her most challenging assignment first, while she is most focused, then have her work on easier tasks. Finish each homework session with a fun activity.
* Search the Internet with your child to learn more about topics being covered in school.
* Invite your child to participate in cooking or shopping to strengthen his math skills.
* Encourage your child to choose a classmate with whom she can study and swap reading books.
* Get your child organized inside and outside of school. By being organized, your child will have plenty of time to complete all assignments, and he will also learn the value of time management.
* Talk to your child's teachers. The second half of the year can be more challenging than the first. Find out if your child needs extra help in a specific subject in order to keep up with the class.
Learn additoinal educational tips at www.DrRickBlog.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
