Here is a Helpful Video on Seniors Going to College

Research Regarding Studying and Spaces

Interesting article regarding retention rates and spacing between study sessions.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118141708.htm

Here is Some Interesting Research on Kindergarten Students

Students who enter kindergarten without adequate preparation are more likely to drop out, plus they're more likely to need special education or have to repeat a grade at a cost of some $24.4 million, additional English instruction for $11 million and more resources to deal with delinquent behavior, at a cost of $6 million, according to a Wilder Research report. Teachers are also more likely to quit or miss work due to the resulting behavior and academic problems, costing some $28.9 million, researchers said. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul) (12/29)

Have You Ever Considered These Things When Looking At a School?

For the past week, I have listed questions that I would consider important when choosing school. Culture is something that you can pick up on as soon as you arrive. Here are some starter questions that you should consider when selecting a school for your son or daughter.

Is the school secretary helpful and friendly?
Is the school orderly and neat?
What do the bulletin boards look like?
How is student work displayed?
How does the school communicate with students and parents (weekly/monthly newsletter, e-mail?

A Great Read for Those Who Need to Get Organized

For those parents looking to get organized for 2009 here is a great blog post regarding organizational tools that are web based.

http://edtechpower.blogspot.com/2008/12/ten-tools-to-manage-your-life.html

Curriculum Questions a Parent Should Ask a School When Investigating

Does the school have a strong program of core academic subjects such as English, history, mathematics, science, arts, and foreign languages?
What courses does the school offer in addition to the core subjects?
What evidence is there that the school is effectively teaching students to read?
Does the school have a special focus or theme for the curriculum?
Does the school offer challenging courses such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and high school honors courses?
Does the school provide enrichment opportunities for all students? For gifted students?
Does the school have extracurricular activities that support what is taught?
Is there an effective English language acquisition program for children who need it?
If your child has special learning needs, does the school have a curriculum and the necessary supports to appropriately accommodate those need?

Parents Does Your District Have These Types of Things

When you start looking at school districts for your son or daughter a good question to ask is if they have any classes that help parents such as ... teaching parents how to work with their student, filling out college applications, parenting classes, study skills etc... Here is an article that is helpful.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2008/dec/31/1m31parents001725-parents-head-back-school/?zIndex=30078