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11Nov
Under-Performing US Kids – Grave Concern For Parents & Educators

In the article titled “U.S. Teens Trail Peers Around World on Math-Science Test”, Washington Post elaborates the state of US students. CNN echoes the same in its article named “U.S. students behind in math, science, analysis says”.
These are just some of the articles that explain the growing concern among parents and educators in the United States. Isn’t it ironical that a country that is the most developed in the world fails to keep up with its counterparts as far as the school educational system is concerned?
A country’s future depends on the development of its children. Someone has rightly said “Our children are our only hope for the future, but we are their only hope for their present and their future”.
According to the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the scores and rankings of 12 nations in the 2003 International Mathematics Assessments for Grades 4 and 8, US did not stand anywhere close to the top
US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan did not shy from speaking the harsh truth in front of a room full of Math & Science experts of the National Science Board “We are lagging the rest of the world, and we are lagging it in pretty substantial ways, I think we have become complacent. We’ve sort of lost our way”.
Developing nations like South Korea showed better results in the tests. All these have not alarmed just the academia in the United States, but also the business world that has started questioning America’s future on account of its faulty education system.
What are the causes behind the under performance of US kids? Let us examine them one at a time.
Teaching Methodology
The way teachers teach Math and Science in schools in the US do not quite help kids develop interest in these subjects. Compared to Asian nations, US schools do not teach ‘real’ math until children reach upper grades.
Hatred for Math
Ask any child in the US about his take on Math and his expression would answer your question. American kids fear Math. Again, this is due to their disinterest in Math, which is due to ‘established prejudice’ and boring teaching techniques.
One Size Fit All approach of NCLB
Standardized tests have worsened education system in the US. Unless we try to access the child’s problem solving process, we cannot just measure his performance on the basis of some tests. Children, each one of them, have their own unique identity. Applying a one-for-all test pattern can NEVER improve the education system.
Blame-Games between educators and parents, educators and government make matter worse. It is time parents and educators sit together and ponder over the current scenario and work out ways to improve the same. Last but not least, let us not sing to the tunes of the No Child Left Behind Act. I am sure school administrators voice the same opinion. An Act that cannot do any good to the education system should not exist!…
31Aug
Great Home Schooling Advice For Concerned Parents

Homeschooling is a popular choice for parents today. This might be true, depending on your commitment to teaching and your child’s learning style, but you should learn all you can about homeschooling before making that choice. This article can help you by giving you some tips.

Know the state laws regarding homeschooling. Different states have different regulations and rules governing the amount of time you need to dedicate to homeschooling your child. Many states will have a curriculum for you to follow, but it’s possible you’ll have to create your own. Usually, it is a good idea to follow the lead of the school district when setting your school year.

Do not use textbooks all the time. Students should utilize all forms of literature for learning purposes, such as magazines or comics. Current events can spur deep conversations, so making them read articles about the news of the day is a smart way to go. This is an excellent way to get your child to develop analytical skills.

Although you might not want your children to associate with kids at the local public school, you do need to understand that your children will need some social interaction with people their own age. Create play times with other family members and neighbors. Also allow for spontaneous interaction, such as going to the playground and having your child play with others there. Engage your child in sports and clubs to improve their social circle.

Decide what area of your home you will devote to your homeschooling. It has to be a place where the kids feel comfortable yet won’t be distracted. You need to have plenty of room for activities and learning. This should be a place that is easily observed as well.

Think outside the box for homeschooling. Many resources out there cost money, but you can make them yourself too! Flash cards are easy to make out of laminate sheets and index cards. Involve your children in the creation of educational resources and you will find that both teaching and learning become a lot of fun.

Use vacations to keep your kids learning. For example, take family trips to historical sites, zoos and botanical gardens, and museums. Learning experiences can be incorporated into almost any part of your travels. Spending family time and getting lessons accomplished at the same time is a great idea.

Avoid becoming isolated during the homeschooling process. You need to get out and get around people who also home school their children. Reaching out will help you to feel connected to others who share many of the same ideas and values. If you find people who believe in homeschooling the way you do you will be better off in the long run.

Incorporate technology into your routine, but make sure you use other techniques as well. You never know when your internet may go down or your wireless router will die. You don’t want to lose valuable class time due, so always maintain backup lessons that don’t rely on the computer.

In summary, homeschooling allows parents to give children a good education. You need to learn everything you can about homeschooling if you feel this way. Applying the tips in this piece is a great way to start making decisions about homeschooling your kids.…