K-12 Education Report from Sylvan Learning of Danville, VA

8/9/2019 K-12 Education Report from Sylvan Learning of Danville, VA

1/16

K-12 Education ReportBrought to you by Sylvan Learning Center
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfmhttp://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfmhttp://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfm


2/162004 Sylvan Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Changing Face of Education 2

College Prep: Not Just for High Schoolers Anymore 4

Understanding Your Childs Approach to Learning 6

State of the Classroom 8

Understanding Standardized Testing 10

A Checklist for Parents 12
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfmhttp://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfm


3/16page 1

he past 50 years have brought major changes in education. But one thing has stayedthe samethe more schools and families work together, the more successful a studentcan become.

As parents, we need to stay abreast of the latest trends in our schools and ourcommunities. As teachers, we need to continue to improve our communication with

parents. Fostering relationships among home, school and the community will enhance theeducation of all of our nations young people.

This publication is meant to give you a snapshot of the important trends and developments ineducation so you can better understand how to have a positive impact on the educational outcomeof the children in your life. Knowledge gives us the power to influence that outcome positively.The Changing Face of Education (pg. 2) gives you an overview of how things have changedwith reading, writing and math. Youll find the latest information and research about how yourchild learns in Understanding Your Childs Approach to Learning (pg. 6).

Children need to see the adults in their lives working together. When students can see that boththeir parents and teachers have their best interests in mind, they know they have allies when theybegin to struggle. Children who have confidence in themselves and their future have an easiertime handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. Learn whats happening with the State ofthe Classroom (pg. 8) so you can positively advocate and support your childs learning at school

and at home.In the last half-century, we have seen education landmarks such as Title I, the Individualswith Disabilities Education Act and Brown vs. Board of Education. And 2002s No Child LeftBehind (NCLB) Act has the potential to effect some of the most significant changes to date. Butwhile we need to measure our progress in reading and math, NCLB cannot be seen as a panacea.Standardized testing is a quick snapshot of a child on a g iven day, but parental involvement iscontinuous. That said, standardized tests are here to stay, and parents must do their best to helptheir children prepare. For tips on how you can help your child prepare for these tests, seeUnderstanding Standardized Testing (pg. 10).

Thirty years ago, a high school diploma was sufficient for a breadwinner to support a family.In todays service economy, high school diplomas have lost 30 to 40 percent of their value. Now,Americans of all ages have new skills and know new subjects, which increases the competition toget into college. In 1973, 1.2 million people graduated from college with a degree. That number

is expected to jump to nearly 2.1 million by 2012. Read College Prep:Not Just for HighSchoolers Anymore (pg. 4) for insights on how to keep your child on the right track.

The best way to help curb mounting pressures and eliminate any sense of unfair competition is toincrease students confidence in their abilities. Our children have more opportunities than everbefore in this countrys history. They deserve the best. And we have the power to give it to them.

Dr. Richard E. Bavaria

Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., is the vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center and

directs all academic programs for the learning center network. With more than 35 years of edu-cation experience, Dr. Bavaria began his career as a high school English teacher and progressed to executive director for

the Baltimore County, Md., Public School Systems department of curriculum and instruction where he oversaw the

development of all instructional programs for the 22nd largest public school system in the United States. Dr. Bavaria

holds a master of liberal arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in English curriculum and

instruction from the University of Maryland. He serves on the Education Advisory Board of Villa Julie College, a

four-year liberal arts college, and the board of directors of The Grace and St. Peters School, an independent elemen-

tary school in Baltimore, Md. He is an associate of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and

was the recipient of the 2002 Deans Recognition Award of Towson Universitys College of Liberal Arts.


4/16

Parents are more sophisticated about education than ever before, and the country is morefocused on education than it has ever been. People are getting smarter about educationand its necessity, says Richard E.Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for SylvanLearning Center. Parents are demanding the best for their children. They expect morefrom teachers, schools and even from themselves. They expect their tax dollars to bespent wisely because they know how important education is.

Standardized testing, class size, school safety, technology in the classroom, confidence,teacher recruitment and training and college preparation are only some of the issues onthe minds of parents and educators.

In addition, the United States does not follow anational curriculum. The United States is theonly leading democracy in the world that does nothave a national curriculum, Bavaria says. As a

result, each state has its own standards,withinwhich lie the fundamentals of reading,mathematicsand writing. With the No Child Left Behind(NCLB) Act we are now moving closer toestablishing higher, more consistent standards forcore subjects, and a higher level of proficiency fromour students, particularly in the key areas ofreading,mathematics and writing.

Reading

The most fundamental learning skill, reading has always been the foundation of aquality education. The ability to read, comprehend and distill information has neverbeen more important.

The way that children are taught reading has varied over the years, with the pendulumswinging from the phonics approach to the whole-word approach and back. In the past How Does Your StateStack Up In Math?

Top Six States in Math Scores,Grade 8

1. Minnesota

2. Massachusetts

3. North Dakota

4. Montana

5. New Hampshire

6.Vermont

Bottom Six States in Math Scores,Grade 8

45. Louisiana

46. Hawaii

47.Arkansas

48. New Mexico

49.Alabama

50. Mississippi

Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center For

Education Statistics, 2003.

Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research

page 2

The Changing Face

of EducationDespite dramatic social, political and technological changes over the past four decades, the ideal of a quality

education for every American childall 50 million of themhas never faltered, but the details have changed.

Tech-Savvy Teaching

Parentteacher conferences were once the only time parents and instructors discussed a studentsprogress. But today, many teachers use public online message boards and classroom blogs (onlineournals) to keep students on track and parents in the loop. Sites such as www.SchoolNotes.com allowteachers to create free websites for their classes where students and parents can view upcomingassignments and tests and learn what topics students are studying. Parents who register their emailaddresses receive notifications when teachers update the site.

Some teachers use online forums to replace the old conferences. Mountain Home, Idaho-based

elementary school teacher Gretchen Halasi-Kun developed her own virtual conference days. Parents canattend the conference at their convenience, gauge and comment on their childs progress, and talk withthe teacher via email.

While nothing compares with face-to-face meetings, research shows that virtual parent-teachercommunication has its benefits. Fifty-eight percent of teachers who post homework assignments onlineor via email say the practice increases homework completion rates, according to a study by theeducational sales division of CDW Corp, a direct marketer of technology products and services in theUnited States.

Good communication between parents and teachers is critical to a childs progress. But time constraintson everyone make it more difficult to convene at school. Thankfully, online portals keep the prioritywhere it should beon the child.

How Does Your StateStack Up In Reading?

Top Six States in Reading Scores,Grade 8

1. Massachusetts

2. New Hampshire

3.Vermont

4. Montana

5. North Dakota

6. South Dakota

Bottom Six States in Reading Scores,Grade 8

45.Alabama

46. Louisiana

47. New Mexico

48. Nevada

49. Hawaii

50. California

Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center For

Education Statistics, 2003.

Subjects in Which ParentsSay Their Children Need Help

Outside the Classroom


5/16

10 years, there has been a move toward thephonics approach. However, educators andreading experts are recognizing that bothapproaches have certain merits and that theapproach should be driven more by the childslearning style than by a rigid adherence to oneparticular methodology. Once a child

recognizes that letters make sounds and soundsmake words, he or she has mastered the key toreading success, Bavaria says.

There is so much information coming ourway every day that it requires a skilled readerto keep up, Bavaria says. A person withoutreading skills has a hard time maneuvering inthe complicated society in which we live.People who have strong reading skills are ableto open doors that are closed to other people.

Mathematics

In this modern information age, children notonly need a thorough understanding of math,but they also need to be constantly remindedof its relevance.

There was a time in the United States whenyou could graduate from high school withouthaving studied much math and make aperfectly honorable and very respectableliving, Bavaria says. Today, those jobs are fewand far between.

Consequently, it is important for children tobuild a strong foundation in math and it is

incumbent upon parents and teachers to besure students understand the fundamentals.

Schools all over the country are rising to thechallenge. Teachers and educators are not onlydrilling in the basic math facts, but they arealso teaching children the relevance of math intheir everyday lives. This allows students tolook at math in a deeper sense that goesbeyond rote memorization. In fact,most highschools now require all students to passalgebra, which was not formerly the case.

Writing

The ability to communicate, entertainand persuade with superior writing skills isimportant in everything from proficiencyrequirements on standardized tests to the

job market.

In recent years, the popularity of the Internet,

email and instant messaging (IM), has resultedin new informal styles of writing, forcingEnglish teachers to play catch-up. Computershorthand, such as substituting u for youor & for and, is showing up in term papersand writing assignments.

According to a recent survey by SylvanLearning Center,91 percent of teachersnationwide say they do not allow the use ofthis informal writing style in their studentsassignments. However, 76 percent of teacherssurveyed agree that children can benefit fromemail and IM as a learning opportunity.

Should students still learn formal, grammati-cally correct English? asks Bavaria. Ofcourse they should, but they dont need to usethat formal language with all audiences. Itsimportant for them to know and use theappropriate style for a particular audience.

My advice to parents is to look for oppor-tunities to have their children develop a loveof writing,whether its through email and IMor more traditional forms, says Bavaria. Nomatter what the format, practicing writinghelps hone their ability to put their thoughtsinto words.

NCLB is a far cry from theone size fits all approach as

many have believed. The successof schools is now being measured

on the academic achievementof all students so that childrenwho need help arent hidden

in averages.

Rod Paige, U.S. Department of Education Secretary

page 3

No Child Left Behind:

A Parents PerspectiveAlmost three years after its enactment,the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Acontinues to impact schools and homearound the country.

Signed into law in early 2002,NCLBconstitutes the most significant changeto the Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act since its enactment in1965. The idea behind the NCLB Acis to hold schools accountable for eachstudents growth. What does this reallymean for parents?

Parents with children in schools thado not meet state standards for at letwo consecutive years may transfertheir children to a better-performinpublic school, including a publiccharter school within their district.

Students from low-income families schools that fail to meet state standafor at least three years are eligible toreceive supplemental educationalservices, including tutoring, after-school services and summer school.

Parents will receive report cards sothey can see which schools aresucceeding and why.

NCLB requires states to test everychild every year in grades threethrough eight in reading and math.Children will also be tested at least

once in high school.Test resultsshould help students, parents andteachers know how to gauge progreand decide if and when extra helpis necessary.

Students who attend a persistentlydangerous school or are the victimof a violent crime while in schoolhave the option to attend a safeschool within their district.

Three Years Later

160,000: Number of studentsduring the 2002-03 school year

who took advantage of either thesupplemental educational services ortransfer provisions.

50: Number of states that haveapproved accountability plans in pla

For more information about NCLBvisit www.nclb.org.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2004

32%

13%

1990 2003

Fourth-graders at or aboveproficiency in NAEP*

mathematics

There is no better way to make alife full and rich than by reading.It opens up the world to us and

that is what we want for allof our children.

Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of educationfor Sylvan Learning Center

*National Assessment of Education ProgressSource: The Nations Report Card, National Center for Education Statistics, 2003.


6/16

Changes in the college landscape in recent years have alteredthe tone of K-12 education, with college-prep schooling andguidance beginning much earlier than high school.Increasingly seen as a necessity, college also is becoming moreexpensiveand more competitive to enter.

Off to a Good Start: K-3

As far off as college may seem from kindergarten, instilling alove of learning in a child from an early age is one ofthe most important things a parentcan do to prepare a child forcollege. The most importantthing is to really be enthusiasticabout getting an education, says

Sue Ferguson,chair of the NationalCoalition for Parent Involvementin Education.

Displaying your childs drawingsand schoolwork and asking whathe learned in school each day are

just two simple ways to exciteyour child about learning. In autopian world, parents would get together [withtheir children] and talk about the day, says JohnLawrence, president of the American Association ofSchool Administrators and superintendent of theLincoln County R-III School District in Troy, Mo.

Even if its a minute or less, it reinforces the idea ofeducation being life long.

Developing good study habits at an early age will also have animpact. If parents make sure that they ask,Do you havehomework? it will help their children focus and develop goodstudy habits, Lawrence says. Also important, he says, is notonly reading to your children,but taking the time to listen tothem read back. Encouraging children to read and writeduring the summer months will keep their minds active.

Maintain Momentum: 4-6As children get older, [support] comes in different ways,Ferguson says. Its limiting television watching. Its makingsure they have a quiet place to work. Its making sure youre incommunication with the teacher.

The parent-teacher relationship is essential to making sureyour child is keeping up with schoolwork. Make sure youstay in touch with the school and with your childs teacher andthat you know whats expected, she says.

Grade school is not too early to start askingyour children what they want to be whenthey grow up. These discussions provide anoptimal time to talk about setting goals and

establishing the steps needed to reach thosegoals, such as going to college. However,Lawrence cautions,theres a fine linebetween having those discussions andinfluencing your childs opinion. Itsimportant to let your child come to hisown conclusion.

Pre-College Prep: 7-8When it comes to the actual coursework that children musttake to get into college, that begins in middle school, Fergusonsays. Often, students and parents dont realize the importanceof taking algebra or the importance of the English/math/

science classes. Those are the classes that get you into college.When children get into middle school and high school, itsimportant to know whats being offered.At the same time,however, Lawrence cautions that your child needs a bit moreleeway at this age.

Middle school is, however, a good time for your child to beginthe college investigation process. Reading about collegesonline or in publications like U.S. News & World Reports annualAmericas Best Colleges report, released in August, is a greatway to learn about the personalities of different schools andwhat might be the best fit for your child.

And the earlier you can visit collegesboth four-year andcommunity institutionsthe better. It is very important to

take children to take a look at them so they can see what thecampus looks like,what the atmosphere is like, Ferguson says.

The Homestretch: 9-12

Despite all of the early college preparation, high schoolis when it really kicks into high gear. Students should sit downwith a counselor early in ninth grade and plan four-year courseschedules, with options that may include taking AdvancedPlacement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.

During junior year, students should take the PSAT, a test thatprovides firsthand practice for the SAT reasoning test. The

page 4

College Prep:Not Just for High Schoolers AnymoreKnowing the roles parents, teachers and students themselves play in preparing for college is the key to a

childs success.

62% of adults say theybelieve our nations K-12education system is notdoing well in preparing

students for college.

Source: Educational Testing Service,Quality, Affordability, and Access:

Americans Speak on HigherEducation, 2003.

Estimated Student Aid by Source forAcademic Year 2002-03

(Current Dollars in Billions) Percent of Total

Source: Trends in Student Aid, The College Board, 2003-2004.

SueFerguson

John

Lawrence


7/16

test measures critical reading skills, mathproblem solving skills and writing skills.Some students benefit by taking the testearly, usually in their sophomore year.However, it is a junior-level test so it may bemore challenging for younger students.

Students at this age should not, however,forget to have fun. I hope children makesure they have a balance of extracurricularactivities, Lawrence says. Sometimes kids getso focused on college that I think they miss alot along the way.

A parents relationship with teachers typically

changes as a child enters high school, but itis no less important to know what is goingon. [Parents] really do need to stay intouch with the teacher; they need to attendthe conferences, Ferguson says. As muchas children may hide behind their bravado, itmatters to them a great deal that theirparents care.

That continuing support and involvement,both at home and from outside resources, willhelp high school students get through toughclasses, intimidating standardized tests andcollege applications.

75% of adults agree that in order to be successful today,you must have a college degree.

97% of adults agree that a good education is a high priority in their family.

96% of adults agree that it is the parents responsibility to makesure their children receive the best possible education.


94% of 6th through 12th graders said they believed they would attendschool after high school; 96% of their parents said the same.

63% of 11th and 12th graders parents said they had made somefinancial preparations for college; just 57% of college-bound 6th

through 8th graders parents said the same.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 1999

Average Tuition/Fees/Room/Board Charges at Four-Year Institutions,in Constant 2003 Dollars, (Enrollment-Weighted)

Source: Trends in College Pricing, The College Board, 2003-2004.

page 5

The Rising CostsNo matter the age of your child, repof skyrocketing college costs probablhave you thinking about how you wafford college when the time comes.In the last decade, tuition has jumped

41 percent in constant 2003 dollars apublic four-year colleges, and it rose14.1 percent last year alone, reports tCollege Board.

It really is never too early to startsaving, says John Lawrence, presidenof the American Association of SchooAdministrators. You need tostrategically plan to save for yourchildren. Some experts suggest thatparents calculate how much to save blooking at the cost of school today,researching what the trend increaseshave been, extrapolating the reasonab

cost of tuition in the future andincrementally working to that end.Other experts recommend seeking thassistance of a financial planner.

College savings plans such as prepaidtuition plans and Section 529 plans aincreasingly popular options. Prepaidtuition plans enable parents to pay fofuture college attendance at the curretuition rates. Section 529 plans arestate-sponsored, and investors are nottaxed on the money invested. TheCollege Board reports that these planhave assets of more than $35 billion

and an average of $6,573 per accoun

Scholarships also are a great way tosupplement savings and avoid loans.Scholarship money goes unclaimedevery year. Doing research onscholarships and keeping track ofapplication deadlines will help ensuresuccess. Here are several websites tohelp you uncover possibilities availabfor your child:

The College Savings Plans Networkwww.collegesavings.org

American Council on Education,

www.collegeispossible.org

Wired scholar,www.wiredscholar.com/paying/content/index.jsp

Scholarships.com,www.scholarships.com

FastWeb, www.fastweb.com


8/16

Dr. G. Reid LyonChief of the Child Development and Behavior

Branch of the National Institute of Child

Health and Human Development (NICHD)

The young brain is very ready tolearn all kinds of things. The key is in how

you teach it. You cant teach a 4-year-oldchild like you would a 1st grader.

One NICHD study focused on 6- and 8-year-old childrenwho received early intervention and individual tutoring. Eachbrain was imaged before and after the intervention, as well as a

year afterward. The idea was to see if early intervention andincreased instruction would have an effect on how a childsbrain tackled the problem of learning to read. According toLyon, the results were intriguing.

The way the brain processed the information before theintervention when they couldnt read was very different fromchildren who could read.After intervention, the children werereading at their age-appropriate level and their brain scanslooked exactly like good reader brains.

In addition, other recent research at the NICHD hasmade early childhood learning and creating a supportiveclassroom priorities.

Alan SimpsonSpokesman for the National Association for

the Education of Young Children

Its important for parents, teachers andeducators to recognize that althoughresearch shows childrens learning potentialis extraordinary, each child learns at a

different rateparticularly at the start of schooling.

One of the most important things that teachers need to knowfor early childhood classrooms is how to support and nurturethe learning of many different children with many differentlevels of developmenteven if theyre all the same age.

Research does tell us young children can do a lot more in apreschool setting than some people may have thought before.But they [children] need that learning to be provided in a waythats appropriate to their age and level of development. Wecant just take a curriculum that was once designed for secondgraders and start applying it to kindergartners or preschoolersand hope to succeed.

Dr. Daniel MillerPresident of the National Association of School

Psychologists

A childs learning style is his or herpreferred method of learningthe way he

or she learns best. The best times todetermine which learning style your child

possesses are when theyre learning to read and to spell.

As children are reading,you can pick up their learning stylebased on how theyre acquiring reading. If they soundeverything out, then theyre going to be more auditorylearners. If theyre going to use flash cards to memorize thewhole word as they see it, then theyre going to be moreinclined to be a visual learner.

page 6

Understanding Your ChildsApproach To LearningFive experts discuss how recent advances in child development research are rapidly finding their way into

classrooms and substantially changing the way educators communicate with children. Remarkably, their

conclusions all point to the same key finding: Children are unique in their learning styles and need individual

attention, a supportive environment and a variety of experiences in order to achieve their full potential.

Reading aloud to children helps stimulatebrain development, yet only 50% of infants

and toddlers are routinely read toby their parents.

Source: www.brainconnection.com

Tutor Tip-offSigns your child may need a tutor,

and how to find one that works.

There are a variety of characteristics in yourchilds work and behavior that may indicatethat he or she needs some extra help from atutor. Here are some indicators to look for:

Despite putting forth a strong effort, yourchild still struggles in school or receives a poorreport card.

Your child often claims to feel unwell whilegetting ready for school.

Your child says things like Im stupid, or thatshe is ready to give up.

A teacher reports that your child is havingbehavior problems or is disruptive.

A teacher reports that your child is havingdifficulty retaining and understanding lessons.

Homework is consistently a struggle.

Your child says he hates school or aparticular subject.

After you have determined that your childneeds a tutor, it is important to find one thatfits her needs and is trained and certified. The

tutor should identify your childs specific arof need and design lesson plans to accom-modate your childs strengths and weakness

In order to promote true understanding of material, tutors should go beyond focusing memorization of current school material. Ialso good to look at the teacher/student raIf your child is young or has a short attentispan, individualized instruction is probably

After finding a tutor,make sure you and thtutor communicate regularly through progrreports or periodic meetings. You need to aware of your childs progress and have anopportunity to express any concerns.


9/16

As they grow up,visual learners will takenotes or make lists while auditory learners liketo hear things. They like to hear instructions.They like to be told what to do, i.e.Dont putit in writing, just tell me what I need to do.

A child who is constantly moving or a childthat needs to be moving while theyre learning[is a kinesthetic or tactile learner]. If a childexpresses interest in tracing lettersmorehands-onthen theyre learning morekinesthetically.

Although visual, auditory and kinesthetic arethe three most common learning styles, there isno right or wrong learning style.

Sara ErlingA developmentalist at the

National Association for

Child Development

Although changing thecurriculum is part of theequation, establishing the

neurological foundation for learning to occurshould be the first priority.

How we learn is a reflection of how ourbrain receives,processes, stores and utilizesinformation, Erling says. In our experiencein working with thousands of children, thosethat become accelerated have established

neurological organization, therefore making

the process of learning new skills an easy and

efficient one.

Dr. James TherrellAn expert in early childhood

education and Asst.Professor,

Northwestern Oklahoma

State University

An emphasis on individual

learning styles is at the

heart of many of the research-based changesbeing made to early childhood education.

Schools are altering the established practice of

teaching every child with the same

curriculum,according to Therrell.

Many schools are moving away from large

group instruction and are moving more

toward individualized instruction thats more

in tune with the individual rather than one-

size-fits-all [approach].

Even in a classroom with children who are the

same age, there are typically great differences

in the way they learn and process information.

If a lesson is designed for visual learners, the

teacher can break that lesson down into

different parts that more appropriately address

auditory or kinesthetic (tactile) learners.

Visual Learners Ensure that they can easily see your b

language and facial expressions.

Use visual displays,diagrams, illustratetextbooks,overhead transparencies, viflipcharts and handouts.

Give them time to take detailed notesthey can absorb information.

Auditory Learners Read information aloud.

Discuss topics, talk things through andlisten to what others have to say.

Incorporate group and discussion wo

Consider how you use speech, as audlearners interpret the underlying meathrough listening to tone of voice, pitand speed.

Kinesthetic Learners

Incorporate a hands-on approach. Use practical activities or demonstrati

Choose kinesthetic learners to carry odemonstrations.

Visit www.educate.com for tools toyou discover your childs learning s

80% of teachers strongly agree that all children can learn.

Source: Attitudes About Teaching, Public Agenda, 2003.

Characteristics ParentsLook for in Tutoring

Critical/VeryImportant

Student receives one-on-one attention 78%

Customized instructional content for each child 74%

page 7

Must-Have BooksFor more information on braindevelopment, learning styles and theireffect on education in the United Statpick up these classics.

Discover Your Childs Learning Style,by Mariaemma Willis and VictoriaKindle Hodson. Written by twolongtime educators, this book goesbeyond the simple modes of visual,auditory and kinesthetic learning styleand discusses more in-depth aspects ofchilds learning needs.

Your Childs Growing Mind:A PracticalGuide to Brain Development and LearningFrom Birth to Adolescence, by Jane M.HOriginally published in 1987, this boohas been a cornerstone for educators esince. Now revised and updated to re

recent findings in brain research, this bguides parents, teachers and caregivers they gauge the level of development ochilds brain.

Differentiated Instructional Strategies,by Gayle H.Gregory and CarolynChapman. This book focuses onpractical processes teachers can useto adjust lessons based on individualstudentsknowledge, skills, experience,preferences and needs.



10/16

State of the Classroom: Facts and FiguresOver the past few decades, teaching has become an increasingly difficult job. Discipline problems and a short

of resources have made it harder to accomplish learning goals in the classroom. By understanding what is

happening in the classroom and the challenges that teachers face, parents can become an active advocate for

their childs learning at school and at home. Knowledge is power to influence positively.

page 8

Pupil/Teacher Ratio in Elementary andSecondary SchoolsContrary to popular belief, class size actually has decreased inthe past decade. And,most important, it is projected that itwill continue to decrease. Efforts such as the Class SizeReduction Program (now incorporated into Title II funds) andthe No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, are partially thereason. States across the country receive billions of dollars thatenable them to recruit, hire, and train thousands of newteachers every school year. For example, the federal govern-ment fiscal year (FY) 2005 budget will provide states with$2.9 billion for teacher professional development and training.

Discipline Dilemma

Source: Teaching Interrupted: Do Discipline Policies in Todays Public Schools Foster the Common Good?

Public Agenda, May 2004.

Teaching as a ProfessionWhat do Parents Think?

What Do Superintendents Think?

What Do Teachers Think?

Source: An Assessment of Survey Data on Attitudes About Teaching: Including the Views of Parents,Administrators, Teachers and the General Public, Public Agenda, 2004.

Back to Square One Summer Learning Loss

At Sylvan we believe that summer is the ideal time forchildren to focus on learning, explains Richard E.Bavaria,Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center.More and more families are looking at summertime as anopportunity to catch their children up academically, or getahead for the following school year. Regardless of what theirgoal is, families see value in making summertime a funlearning time. Log onto www.educate.com/activities for ideasand free resources for creating summer learning fun at home.

Source: Research Summary on Summer Learning Programs, Johns Hopkins University Center for SummerLearning, 2002.

Source: Projections of Education Statistics to 2013, National Center for Education Statistics, 2003.

62% of teachers attribute behavior problems toovercrowded classrooms and schools.

52% of Americas teachers report their schoolhas an armed police officer stationed onschool grounds.

33% of teachers say colleagues in their school havequit or were asked to leave because studentdiscipline and behavior became overwhelming.

70% agree that higher salaries for teachers would improve teacher quality.

85% agree that most teachers are committedto their profession and really care abouttheir students.

2.6 Number of months of grade level equivalencin mathematical computation an averagestudent can lose over the summer months.

76% say they need more freedom when it comesto having the capacity to reward outstandingteachers and staff.

96% of new teachers say teaching is work theylove to do.

22% Percentage of the school year teachersspend reteaching forgotten information tostudents instead of teaching new information

and skills.


11/16

Parental Involvement andPerceptionsWhat Parents are Saying

Parental Responsibilities

Money Matters

An All-Around Education

Some Startling Stats on What Teachers are Saying

1Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research2Source: An Assessment of Survey Data on Attitudes About Teaching: Including the Views of Parents, Administrators, Teachers and the General Public,

Public Agenda, 2004.

MichelleMcLaughlinAssistant Director,

Educational Issues

Department,AmerFederation of Teach

Q:What are the three biggest changthe teaching profession has seenover the past two decades?

A: Over the past two decades, the teachiprofession has seen greater emphasis oteacher quality, standards and schoolsafety. Placing a qualified teacher whoknowledgeable about the subject mattin every classroom is essential to givinall children an equal opportunity forsuccess. And,with more being requir

of todays students, there is a renewedfocus on standards and assessment as aimportant part of improving studentachievement. School safety and discipare also issues that teachers deal with a daily basis. Without a safe schoolenvironment, student learning suffers.

Q:What is the biggest challengefacing teachers today?

A: One of the largest challenges facingmany teachers today is the goal ofhelping disadvantaged children meet hstandards in the face of great inequityof resources.

All children can and should learn at hstandards and it is important that teaccreate challenging assignments that arfairly assessed to help them do so.

Q:What can parents do to help thechilds teacher?

A:At home,it is the parents role to enfothe importance and enjoyment of schand the discipline of and respect forlearning and for teachers. And, by in-creasing communication and cooperawith teachers, parents can help promogood behavior. By addressing thediscipline issue it will help improveteacher quality and retention.

Q:What can teachers do to get parmore involved?

A: It is a teachers responsibility to encoage communication with parents,mparents and teachers partners in edution. When lines of communicationare open, everyone in the educationprocess benefits.

page 9

100% say they are willing to invest extra time to make sure their child does wellin school.1

91% say they are willing to spend extra money to make sure their child gets agood education.1

58% say grades are the best way to know if your child is doing well in school.1

50% say good education requires extra professional help outside the classroom.1

98%think it is parents responsibility to make sure their children receive the

best possible education.1

83% say they review their childs homework everyday.1

Most Americans believe, as the NEA [National Education Association]does, that our greatest legacy to future generations is making sure every

child has access to a free and quality public education. Parents canprovide a solid foundation for learning by spending time teaching

children to follow directions, stick to and complete tasks,learn about the world and read.

Anjetta McQueen, spokesperson, National Education Association

55% think that parents are the most important factor in determining whetherstudents learn in school.2

83% say there are problems in their school with parents who fail to set limits andcreate structure at home.2

60% say there are problems with insufficient parental involvement.2

78% agree that too many parents have little idea of what is going on with theirown childs education.2


12/16page 10

Understanding Standardized TestingThe seeming proliferation of standardized tests makes everyonestudents, parents, teachers, administrators

anxious. Information can calm testing anxiety.

Standardized testing has become a part of student life. Inaddition to teacher-made tests, there are state-sponsored tests,school-sponsored tests and college entrance exams. In addition

to the variety of tests, there is a range of uses for the datagathered from the tests, from statewide assessment to schoolfunding to an individual students ability to advance from onegrade to the next. With so much testing and so much pressureon results, parents struggle to fit their childrens needs into thetesting picture. Heres a breakdown of the most common tests,current trends in testing, and what each student, teacher andfamily can do to get the most from a rigorous process.

Testing In School

New national legislation has changed the face of standardizedtesting. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act waspassed into law. A comprehensive program comprising four

basic principles, NCLBemphasizes standardizedtesting. Under theprinciple of accounta-bility for results, NCLBrequires each state toestablish rigorouscurriculum standards for

what a child should know in reading and math in thirdthrough eighth grade, and requires states to create tests thatmeasure student and school achievement along these curricula.

NCLB testing is still in its infancy but many states have longused standardized tests to evaluate their schools progressindependent of national legislation.

Most standardized tests given by elementary and high schoolsare known as achievement tests. These exams are used todetermine how much a student has already learned on aspecific topic, and are often used tocompare schools successes nationwide.Some of the more common achievementtests are the Iowa Test of Basic Skills(ITBS), given to students in grades K-8,and the Stanford Achievement Test andthe California Achievement Tests, bothgiven to students in grades K-12.

Although each of these testsasks different types ofquestions, from reading to

writing to math and science,they provide grade-by-gradecontent that can be comparednationally and can offerinsight into a childs strengthsand weaknesses. Teachers alsocan use the results to developprograms that will benefitstudents achievement levels.

College Entrance Exams

Some of the best-known standardized tests are those taken byhigh school juniors and seniors as part of the college appli-

cation process. This market is ruled by the SAT and the ACTassessment test, two exams that are offered by independenttesting companies. Unlike in-school testing, the SAT andACT are voluntary, and students must sign up for them.

The ACT is an achievement test, measuring a studentsknowledge and ability in reading, writing,math and science.The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with an average scoreof 20.8 in 2003.

The SAT is an aptitude test, giving a college an estimate ofhow well prepared a student is for the rigors of a collegeeducation. The SAT is traditionally scored in two sections,math and verbal, with a high score of 1600. In the spring of2005, however, the College Board, makers of the SAT, will

introduce a revamped SAT (see sidebar). This new test willgive colleges a better view of the all-around capabilities of anindividual student, most importantly, giving college admissionsofficers a glimpse into a students writing abilities.

Getting Prepared

Although the frequency of tests may bedaunting, preparing for a test doesnt have tobe. One important step in ensuring a childis prepared for a standardized test, whetherits the ITBS or the SAT, is to make sure

Testing for Special-NeedsStudents

Children who have 504 Plans or anIndividual Education Program (IEP) areoften entitled to special accommodationsduring testing. These accommodationsvary from extra time to extra resources toextra help, and are often necessary toensure that special-needs students scoresadequately reflect their abilities.

A 504 Plan is the first step to determining

the testing guidelines for a special-needs

child. The 504 Plan is created for anystudent who requires only reasonableaccommodationmeaning that nospecial classes are necessary, only specialattention or instruction from a regularclassroom teacher. For students needingspecial instruction, an IEP is created.More formal than the 504 Plan, the IEPis a legal document that outlines theduties and responsibilities of a schoolregarding an individual student. Both ofthese documents are reevaluated each

year to ensure that the student is reaching

the educational goals and the teacher ismaking the necessary accommodations.

These plans are not intended to changewhat a child learns; they are intended tochange how a child learnsan importantfactor that applies to testing as well. Boththe IEP and the 504 plan cover testing,and parents and teachers need toconstantly communicate to ensure thattesting accommodations provide the bestsetting for a special-needs child to excel.

80% of teachers sayhaving guidelines

for what studentsshould learn helpsimprove academic

performance.

Source: Stand by Me: What TeachersReally Think about Unions, Merit

Pay and Other Professional Matters,Public Agenda, 2003.

In 2003, the nation-wideaverage SAT score

increased six points,from 1020 to 1026.

Source: The College Board, 2004.

Nearly 1.2 million studentstook the ACT in 2003, an

all-time record number anda 5% increase from 2002.

Source: www.act.org


13/16page 11

there is open communication between aparent and the childs teacher. Part of ateachers job is to identify testable skills andto make sure that each student is workingtoward mastering these skills. Parents need tostay on top of the curriculum,both in thelarger statewide content and in individualclassrooms. Most states release their standardsof instruction,which are the topics on which

each grade will be tested. By staying on topof these predetermined goals, parents andteachers can make sure each student is on theright path.

Preparation for SAT and ACT testing ismore time intensive than for in-schooltesting, and requires more self-motivationfrom the individual student. There are manypopular test-prep courses. Parents shouldmeet with teachers and guidance counselorsto determine whats best for the student.Some students feel more confident aftertaking a class or receiving tutoring; others

are fine being tested on what they havelearned at school.

Regardless of the test, some advance conver-sation is important. Parents need to make surethat their child is familiar with the format ofthe test and the scoring methods, as well as thereason for the test. Children should know ifthere will be consequences from their score,such as influencing their ability to advance agrade level or get into a school, or if the test isan assessment test meant to measure the levelof the class as a whole.

Understand The Score

Once test day is over, its time to decode thescore. Standardized tests are often scored on aunique scale, so reading and understanding thereport is key to using the information theexam gathers. A standard score is the closestto a grade that the test awards, and it allowscomparison with a national or grade level-based median score. A 1300 on the SAT testis an example of the standard score. Stan-dardized testing score sheets also include apercentile score, signaling what percentage of

students scored below the individual studentsstandard score. If a student is in the 56thpercentile, for example, she scored higher than56 percent of all students taking the test.Score reports often feature stanines, ameasurement derived from a nine-point scaleof achievement. This scale separates scoresinto nine achievement levels,with one beingthe lowest. So, for example, a six would

signify a higher-than-average achievementlevel. Stanines are a quick way to measure astudents progress from year to year.

Once the report comes in, it is beneficial forparents and teachers to take time to go overthe report together. Since testing is so large a

part of current school life, parents need toensure that a childs testing skills match thequality of the childs classroom skills.

Testing is not a cureall for every schoolsystem, nor is it a definitive measure of achilds, or a schools, performance. It is,however, a way to quickly measure the generalstanding of an educational system and of manystudents at once. With NCLB being backedby the federal government and ever-increasingnumbers of high-school students heading tocollege, standardized tests are here to stay.

National Math Scores, 2003

National Reading Scores, 2003

Note: Numbers are percentage of students whoscored at that level. For 4th grade, numbersadd up to a little more than 100 because ofrounding.

Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center for Education

Statistics, 2004.

Comprehensionlevel:

4thGrade%

8thGrade%

Below basic 23 32

At basic 77 68

At proficient 29 23

At advanced 4 5

BrianOReillyExecutive Directo

SAT information

and services, the

College Board

Q:What are the major changes tothe SAT?A:The biggest change is the addition

the writing section. It consists ofmultiple choice [questions] that deawith grammar and usagevery simto the current SAT II writing test.

Weve also changed the name of theverbal section to critical reading,deleting analogies and replacing thewith shorter, one-to-two paragraphreading comprehension. The mathsection will be losing the quantitativcomparison section so that we canbring in third year mathwhat mopeople know as Algebra 2.

Q:Why did the College Boarddecide to update the test?

A:Writing is an important skill forcollege students, and this is the skillwhere the most students are deficien

Q: How do the changes affectscoring?

A:The largest and most visible changethat by adding a third section, we aadding a third score on the 200-800scale. The highest score is now a 24rather than a 1600.

Q: How will the writing section bscored?

A: Each test is scored on a scale of onethrough six. Two teachers go overevery exam, with what we call a holapproach. The essay will require students to take a position and provide argument and examples. Students wbe graded by development of the argment,how the examples relate to thpoint and varied sentence structure.

Q:What different steps shouldstudents and parents take toprepare for the test?

A:What weve always said still holds: tchallenging courses in high school,

read widely, take the PSAT.

Q:What are the benefits of the newriting section?

A:The SAT is meant to help studentspick colleges, and help colleges pickstudents. The test is not designed toidentify brilliant writers, just like it idesigned to identify a brilliant mathmatician. Its there to give a collegeconfidence that a student has a masof writing, for any future major.

65% of teachers think thepush for standards, testing andaccountability is here to stay.

Source: Stand by Me: What Teachers Really Thinkabout Unions, Merit Pay and other Professional Matters,

Public Agenda, 2003.


Comprehensionlevel:

4thGrade%

8thGrade%

Below basic 37 26

At basic 32 42

At proficient 24 29

At advanced 8 3

Study Skills Areas in Which ParentsSay Their Children Need Help


14/16page 12

A Checklist for ParentsParental involvement is the key to a childs success in school. By being involved, parents can

help their children achieve better grades and test scores and more importantly, develop

confidence and a love of learning. Being an active part of your childs education will also keep

you abreast of changes within your local school system as well as at the national level.

Sylvan Learning Center recommends that parents focus on the following priorities in order to

help their children be successful in school and beyond:

Communicate with your childs teachers: Attend open houses to meet your childs teacher and learnabout classroom activities. Use the open house as an opportunity to begin a yearlong dialogue with yourchilds teachers. Dont wait until theres a problem to contact the teachers.

Determine your childs learning style: Understanding your childs learning style will help you discoverhis or her individual learning needs. Your childs teachers can help you pinpoint your childs learning styleand give you tips on how to create an appropriate learning environment at home.

Help your child stay healthy and rested: Children who are well rested and eat a healthy diet do betterin school.

Ask questions and listen to answers: Stay in touch with whats happening with your childs educationby taking time each night to ask your child about his or her day. Ask about specific activities at school thatdayassignments, tests, projectsand also about friends and teachers. By having a regular dialogue abouteducation, you will be able to identify academic challenges and opportunities and address them right away.

Get involved with PTA: The PTA directly affects decisions about your childs education. Involvementwith the PTA will also introduce you to other parents,with whom you can share experiences and concerns.

Provide learning resources at home: Make sure your child has access to books, magazines,encyclopedias or a computer so she can explore the world from home. Find out what resources your child

needs to complete her homework and to pique her interest in topics.

Be a role model: Show your child that youre a life-long learner by sharing your reading, writing andcontinuing education activities. Talk about how learning plays a role in your job or at home. Show thatlearning is a part of every daywhether its the historic places you visit and learn about on vacation or youractive participation in and support of your local library.

Visit the school or teachers website: If your childs teachers have a class website, use it to learn whatis going on in the classroom. The website will help you guide your conversations with your child and theclassroom teacher.

Encourage after-school activities: Extracurricular activities are a positive part of your childsdevelopment. Work with your child to create a time management plan to keep school responsibilities andoutside commitments balanced.

Participate at school:Volunteer in the school office or as a classroom helper. If your child is involved in

a club or sport, support that group. Or volunteer to chaperone a field trip or a school-sponsored event.

Set up a college or education savings fund: Having a savings fund gives your child more choices inwhere to continue his education and will allow you to invest in the educational resource your child needs.

Discuss your childs future: Where does your child want to go to college? What does he want to doafter graduation? Develop an educational milestone calendar, listing everything from small goals such asJoin the Math Club to Go to College.Conquering small goals along the way helps the larger goals seemmore attainable.


15/16
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfm


16/16
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/index.cfm

Date post:	30-May-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	sylvandanville
View:	216 times
Download:	0 times

K-12 Education Report from Sylvan Learning of Danville, VA

Documents