Parenting and Learning Issues

Each child learns differently. Here we offer resources on learning styles and the classroom models that support them, expert advice on how to improve learning, and tips on parental involvement.

View the most popular articles in Parenting and Learning Issues:

Surviving Public High School: Things Seniors Wish They Knew as Freshman

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Surviving Public High School: Things Seniors Wish They Knew as Freshman
Entering high school is a big change and a big challenge. Take advice from high school teachers and fellow students to help you survive the transition.

Making the switch from middle school to high school is a nerve-wracking change for many students. For some reason, the idea of changing to a new school full of new teachers and new students can be very overwhelming. If your child is nervous about going to high school next year, talking to him about the change may be beneficial. It may also help your child to take some advice from graduating seniors as well as high school teachers. Keep reading to learn more.

Challenges in Transitioning from Middle to High School

Switching to a new school is always a difficult thing to do but it is something that most students go through several times throughout their academic careers. One of the biggest transitions is the one from middle school to high school because it also coincides with puberty for many students. Not only will students find themselves facing a new school with unfamiliar classes, new teachers, and a new schedule, but they also have to navigate the challenges of making new friends and finding their niche within the student body. These things are compounded by additional challenges like resisting peer pressure to drink or do drugs and entering into the world of sexual exploration.

This video offers some tips for preparing for high school.

Before you make the transition from middle to high school, there are some practical things you can do to make the

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How Important is the Student-Teacher Ratio for Students?

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How Important is the Student-Teacher Ratio for Students?
There are many factors which come into play in determining the quality of your child's education, but one thing that many parents overlook is student-teacher ratio.

The quality of your child’s early education will significantly impact his future. Unfortunately, some schools do not have the money it takes to give each child the degree of quality education they deserve. Schools all over the country are led by teachers who are burned out from classrooms that are too full and budgets that are too small. But how important is the student-teacher ratio? Is there a way you can offset the damage of an overcrowded classroom by supplementing your child’s education at home? Keep reading to find out.

What is the Student-Teacher Ratio?

According to the glossary of education reform, the student-teacher ratio “expresses the relationship between the number of students enrolled in a school… and the number of full-time equivalent teachers employed by the school. For example, a school with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio would have ten times as many students as full-time teachers. The student-teacher ratio is important for several reasons. For one thing, it can be used as a tool to measure teacher workload as well as the allocation of resources, particularly in public schools. More importantly, however, it can indicate the amount of individual attention any single child is likely to receive, keeping in mind that not all class sizes will be the same.

The student-teacher ratio of any given school or school district is frequently used to judge the quality of education. However, it is important to note that the “ideal” student-teacher ratio will vary depending on a few different factors.

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Private Tutoring: How Much is Too Much?

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Private Tutoring: How Much is Too Much?
Does your child struggle to keep up in school? Is he performing well in one subject but not in another? If you answered "Yes" to either of these questions, you may want to consider hiring a private tutor.

Every child learns in his own way and at his own pace. Unfortunately, children who learn differently often fall behind in school because the entire class cannot be adjusted to suit the needs of one child. If you are worried about your child’s needs not being met, you may want to consider getting him some extra help outside of school.

There are many different options available for tutoring, but many parents prefer private tutoring. Before you decide, take the time to learn about the different options as well as the pros and cons of private tutoring. You should also learn about the best way to choose a tutor and how to walk the line between giving your child enough support and interfering with his in-school learning.

Types of Tutoring Available for Kids

Just because your child is not doing as well as he could in school doesn’t mean he is stupid. There are many factors that need to be considered when it comes to a child’s academic performance. For example, some children are visual learners while others can learn simply by reading a book. Some children also take a little more time to understand concepts which can make them fall behind in class if the teacher moves too quickly. No matter what your child’s individual struggles may be, getting him some help outside of school might be a good option. Here is an overview of the different types of tutoring and educational service providers you might consider:

  • Private
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Behavioral Intervention Plans

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Behavioral Intervention Plans
Children are going to act out. That is a fact of life. But when does a minor behavioral problem turn into a major issue? We explore behavior intervention plans and how they might be able to help your child curb problem behaviors in school and at home.

You have undoubtedly heard the saying, “Kids will be kids”. This saying is based on the reality that sometimes children exhibit bad behaviors and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are bad kids. But some children take this saying to an entirely different level – their behavioral problems become so bad that they are becoming disruptive in school, unresponsive in social situations, or even dangerous to other kids. If your child is exhibiting problem behaviors at school, you may want to talk to his teacher about creating a behavioral intervention plan.

What is a Behavior Intervention Plan?

A behavior intervention plan (BIP) is simply a plan that is designed to reward and reinforce positive behaviors. Behavior intervention plans look different in every instance because they are customized to a specific student and toward specific behaviors. Some of the problem behaviors that a BIP can be used to address may include the following:

  • Inappropriate language at school
  • Being disruptive in class
  • Aggressive behavior toward students and/or teachers
  • Becoming withdrawn or unresponsive
  • Refusal to do classwork and/or homework

There are several important steps that must be taken in order to develop a behavior intervention plan. For one thing, you need to identify the target behavior(s) that you want to address. Does your child throw things in the classroom? Does he refuse to remain quiet while the teacher is speaking? Does he refuse to do any of his homework or classwork? Once you’ve identified the problem behavior you want to address, you then need to

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Beneficial Services for Physically Disabled Students in Schools

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Beneficial Services for Physically Disabled Students in Schools
Every student has his own unique learning style but children with disabilities experience some unique struggles in school. Keep reading to learn about the rights of disabled students and the services for which they might qualify.

Things like ramps and automatic doors are basic services that can be very helpful for physically disabled students in school and the world. But many physically disabled children find that they experience a great many challenges in school – challenges that many schools are simply not equipped to deal with. If you are the parent of a disabled child, take the time to learn about your child’s rights and about the services that exist for children like yours. Once you are equipped with this information, you can take it to the school board and fight for your child’s rights.

This video explains how students with disabilities have the right to accommodations at public schools, colleges, and universities.

Laws Protecting Students with Disabilities

If you have a child with a physical disability, you understand that he experiences challenges each and every day. Many of these challenges are directly related to his disability, but there is also the issue of red tape – students with unique needs often get lost in the confusion when it comes to federal and state legislation. If you want to make sure that your child gets the services he needs to excel in school, you should start by learning about his rights – here is a summary of several important laws that protect students with disabilities:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – This act requires that every educational institution (other than
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Recent Articles

Spanking in Public Schools: The Ongoing Debate
Spanking in Public Schools: The Ongoing Debate
Indeed, there are still school districts today in America that allow teachers to spank students. Learn about the current spanking situation in schools and why the debate continues to heat up.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support Strategies
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This comprehensive article explores the complex nature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, providing insights into its symptoms, diagnosis process, and effective support strategies. From recognizing early signs to navigating the diagnostic journey, parents will gain valuable knowledge to help their child thrive. Expert insights, real-life examples, and practical tips empower readers to create a supportive environment that meets the unique needs of children with ADHD.
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We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.

Parenting and Learning Issues

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
How the Arts Benefit Your Children Academically and Behaviorally
How the Arts Benefit Your Children Academically and Behaviorally
Inclusion or Exclusion?  The ESL Education Debate
Inclusion or Exclusion? The ESL Education Debate
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT FROM K-12
Learn how direct involvement in your child’s education can impact school performance. Get expert advice on how to get involved, learn why and when you need to talk to a teacher and ways to make changes on campus.
The Pros and Cons of Sports for Middle School Students
The Pros and Cons of Sports for Middle School Students
Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success
Parental Involvement is Key to Student Success
Are Public School Students Prepared for the “Real World?”
Are Public School Students Prepared for the “Real World?”
BULLYING
An overview of bullying in schools, laws to protect students, and the impact on education. This section provides great tips on protecting your child from being bullied or becoming a bully. Learn about the latest anti-bullying laws and see how cyber-bullying effects your child’s school performance.
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
10 Ways to Protect Your Kids from Bullying at School
10 Ways to Protect Your Kids from Bullying at School
Public Schools and Bullying: The Issues and the Solutions
Public Schools and Bullying: The Issues and the Solutions
TYPES OF LEARNING
What type of learner is your child? Be in the know about different types of learning and which classrooms are best suited for each type. What is project-based learning? Cooperative Learning? Would your child benefit from a blended learning experience? Explore these teaching techniques and learn how they could improve your child’s performance.
The Current State of Special Education in the U.S.
The Current State of Special Education in the U.S.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative Learning
Sports: Female Wrestling
Sports: Female Wrestling
KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY ISSUES
Weigh the pros and cons of preschool, full day kindergarten and other issues affecting our youngest learners. Learn what can be done to help your child prepare to enter school, boost confidence, and encourage reading at the grade school level.
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Elementary School: Dealing With Behavioral Issues
Elementary School: Dealing With Behavioral Issues
Pros and Cons of Public Preschool: The Debate
Pros and Cons of Public Preschool: The Debate
HIGH SCHOOL ISSUES
Learn more about issues specific to high school students. Get an overview of high school graduation rates, college readiness, career choice and social issues impacting teenagers in public schools.
Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level
Pros and Cons of Sports Competition at the High School Level
How to Earn Your Associate’s Degree Before Graduating from High School
How to Earn Your Associate’s Degree Before Graduating from High School
Decreasing Public High School Elective Programs
Decreasing Public High School Elective Programs