School and Achievement Schools Achievement Careers, Work, and Retirement
Contemporary Approaches to Student Learning and Assessment
Constructivist Approach: (Piaget)◦ Emphasizes child’s active construction of knowledge and
understanding◦ Teacher provides support for students exploring their world and
developing knowledge.
Social constructivist approaches: (Vygotsky)◦ Focuses on collaboration with others to produce knowledge and
understanding.
Direct Instruction Approach:◦ Teacher-centered approach characterized by direction and
control, mastery of academic material, maximum time spend on learning tasks, and high expectations of progress.
Schools
Accountability in Schools
No Child Left Behind:◦ Single score being used as sole predictor◦ Teaching to test; use of memorization◦ Tests don’t measure important skills like creativity and social skills
Schools
Schools and Developmental Status The child-centered kindergarten:
◦ Emphasizes the whole child, physical, cognitive, socioemotional development
◦ Needs, interests, and learning style◦ Emphasizes learning process
Montessori approach:◦ Teacher is facilitator◦ Children encouraged to be early decision makers◦ Fosters independence and cognitive development skills◦ De-emphasizes verbal interactions
Schools
High School
Concerns about education and students:◦ Graduate with inadequate skills◦ Enter college needing remediation classes
Schools
Trends in High School Dropout RatesSchools
Year
Perc
ent o
f 16-
to 2
4-ye
ar-o
lds w
ho
have
dro
pped
out
of s
choo
l
20001992
10
199619881984198019760
5
20
25
30
35
40
15
1972
Educating Children with Disabilities
Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. receive special education or related services
More than 40% have a learning disability
Schools
Diversity of Children Who Have A Disability
Learning Disabilities Learning disability characteristics:
◦ A minimum IQ level◦ A significant difficulty in a school-related area◦ No other conditions, such as-
severe emotional disorders second-language background sensory disabilities specific neurological deficits
Schools
Learning Disabilities Dyslexia
◦ Severe impairment in ability to read and spell.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder◦ Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity◦ Definitive causes unknown ◦ Higher risk if a sibling already diagnosed◦ Medications are most common treatment◦ Other treatment recommendations vary
Schools
SES and Ethnicity in Schools Low-income, ethnic minority children face more difficulties in
school School inequalities-
◦ Schools in poor areas underfunded young inexperienced teachers largely segregated
◦ Inadequate opportunities for effective learning
Schools
Work in Adolescence U.S. high school students-
◦ 90% receive high school diplomas◦ 75% work part-time and attend school◦ Most work 16-20 hours per week◦ Most work in service jobs
Careers, Work, and Retirement
Changing Percentages of Traditional & Dual-Career Couples
Careers, Work, and Retirement