Parenting and Learning Issues

As extensive studies and reports reveal, the study and practice of music serve to boost children’s mathematical abilities. While many schools struggle to manage time, course schedules, and the cost of music programs, expert educators assert that music education classes are imperative to a child’s development.

Research and Support

When examining the music education curriculum in most elementary schools, many students are forced to be pulled out of core classes in order to attend music lessons. While many school leaders feel that pulling students out of core classes leads to deficits in cognitive growth, data and investigative studies report otherwise. According to The National Association for Music Education (NAME), a 1995 study of Ohio elementary schools reveals that pulling students out of core classes for enrichment opportunities does not harm student achievement.

While most administrators and leaders express concern about enrichment pull-outs, the Ohio study shows that students who were pulled out of core classes for a thirty-minute string instrument session two times per week scored higher than students who were not pulled out of class in every assessed subject!

Specifically, in examining the math scores of the children, string students scored an average of nearly 215 points on the Ohio Proficiency Test, while non-string students scored an average of nearly 212. In further examining the assessment results of the string versus non-string students, and to make the analysis as fair as possible, researchers of the Ohio schools “Looked at students' scores on a previous standardized

According to the Nation’s Report Card, in assessing children's academic performance in the United States in 2005, only 37 percent of all fourth graders are considered to be “proficient readers.” As reading issues and struggles are on the rise across the country, educators are striving to intervene in order to boost students’ reading comprehension and performance; however, educators and schools have limited time and resources, but parents can take on a strong and integral role in their child’s literacy success.

As Sue Whitney, the research editor for Wrightslaw, further explicates, “Children do not learn to read with support. They learn to read with direct instruction. Reading is a learned skill. For many children, reading is not a skill that develops naturally as they mature.” To provide children with the essential reading skills needed in all academic grades and levels, parents can implement early reading strategies in order to boost their child’s literacy comprehension and success.

The Importance of Parental Literacy Support

While a greater number of schools across the country are creating early literacy programs for children, many educational experts assert that early programs are not the sole solution or tool to prepare new students for learning and instruction. As The Colorado Department of Education supports, nearly 46% of kindergarten teachers in the United States reveal that nearly 50% of their students exhibit specific issues and problems upon their entry into their first classroom;

In this empowering article, we present a comprehensive guide to help parents become active partners in their child's academic journey. Homework plays a vital role in reinforcing learning, promoting responsibility, and building valuable study habits. However, it can also be a source of stress and frustration for both children and parents.

Discover a wealth of practical homework tips, strategies, and best practices that will transform homework time into a positive and productive experience. From fostering a conducive study environment to establishing a consistent routine, we explore how parents can create a supportive atmosphere that encourages their child's academic growth.

Explore effective communication techniques that bridge the gap between parents and teachers, ensuring that parents are well-informed about assignments and can offer timely assistance when needed. Uncover the importance of setting realistic expectations, acknowledging the uniqueness of each child's learning style, and avoiding undue pressure.

We'll also delve into the art of motivation and encouragement, understanding the delicate balance between supporting independence and providing guidance. Learn how to turn homework into a collaborative effort, where parents act as mentors, helping their children navigate challenges and celebrate achievements.

Incorporating insights from education experts and experienced parents, this article serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to be proactive advocates for their child's academic success. Whether you have a kindergartener or a high schooler, these homework tips will empower you to create a positive learning environment at home and foster a lifelong love for learning in your child. Embrace this

Teenagers today experience a myriad of benefits from competing in sports in public schools, from developing camaraderie and team building to honing physical and personal skills. Athletes discover the challenges of both winning and defeat as well.

With the many benefits, however, teens competing in high school sporting events must simultaneously balance athleticism with the potential dangers, such as an overly intense focus on the goal of winning. This goal can become a catalyst leading to destructive behaviors to an athlete’s overall physical health and well-being.

While sports are certainly an integral component of the public high school experience, teens and parents must foster positive athletic experiences by maintaining awareness of all positive and dangerous behaviors and making informed decisions when their children are involved in athletic competition.

Team Building and Public School Athletic Benefits

Personal Development

Whether teens compete in team sports or engage in more individualized activities, all high school sports are fundamentally designed to help teens develop stronger personal and interpersonal skills and talents. Athletics offers teens a physical outlet to exert their troubles, anger, and emotions.. As hormones alter teens’ moods and thoughts, competition fosters an opportunity for teens to interact with fellow peers, coaches, and mentors, while helping them understand their own abilities and talents.

When children and teens participate in group competitions and activities, they learn skills that apply to opportunities both on and off the playing field. Through competition, teens establish a solid work ethic that values practice and rewards determination.

This thought-provoking article delves into the complex world of controversial books on high school reading lists. Literature has long been a powerful tool for sparking discussions, challenging societal norms, and broadening perspectives. However, with the inclusion of contentious books in educational curricula comes a range of opinions and considerations that educators, parents, and students must grapple with.

Uncover the pros of introducing controversial literature to high school reading lists as we highlight how these books can stimulate critical thinking, foster empathy, and encourage open dialogue about sensitive issues. Analyze how exposure to diverse and challenging ideas can enrich students' intellectual growth, helping them develop a deeper understanding of complex themes.

Conversely, we will also explore the cons and concerns associated with controversial books in high school education. Investigate how some parents and educators may worry about age-appropriateness, potential discomfort, or conflict with personal values. Delve into the arguments for providing alternative viewpoints and ensuring that students have a well-rounded reading experience addressing various perspectives.

We shed light on the practical challenges and ethical considerations in selecting and teaching controversial books through interviews with educators, students, and literary experts. How do educators strike a balance between promoting critical thinking and respecting individual sensitivities? How can parents and school boards navigate the delicate line between intellectual freedom and age-appropriate content?

Join us as we engage in an insightful and nuanced examination of the benefits and drawbacks of including controversial books in high school reading lists. Gain a deeper appreciation for