For Parents of Gifted Children
Have you ever heard the following comment by your child’s teacher? “Johnny is so structured. His desk is neat, his assignments are color coded in a three-ring binder, and his homework is always ready on time.” Or do you...
Feature Parenting/Advocacy Social-Emotional Issues Stamps, Lisa
Toys. Kids love them. But as a parent, how do you determine which ones offer some sustenance and which are useless, moneymaking gadgets designed for visual appeal? Recently at a local toy store, my husband and I became dismayed...
Educational Products & Tips Stephens, Kristen R. The Editor's View
For some parents of gifted children, homework comes with many hassles, leaving Mom and Dad with more questions than answers: What is the purpose and value of homework? What is a reasonable amount of homework? When should I help, and...
Every January I look forward to teaching Psychology 137, “Adolescence,” an undergraduate course. I tell my students that one of my objectives for the class is to create an understanding and an appreciation of adolescence, of the incredible development—equaled only...
The College Board is gearing up to release the new version of the SAT Reasoning Test. Parents and students have expressed concerns regarding the change in format. Recently, the Duke Gifted Letter asked Brian O’Reilly, the executive director for...
College Planning O-Reilly, Brian Testing, Testing, 1,2,3 Tests & Testing
I would like to send my child to a summer residential program, but she is hesitant to go. I know that she will gain much from the experience, but how do I convince her without feeling as if I...
Consultant's Corner Educational Strategies Olszewski-Kubilius, Paula
The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law two and a half years ago to provide states with a systematic approach to achieve education reform and improvement. Some view the act as burdensome to states, districts, and...
Most high school students take the SAT as part of the application process for college. Very few achieve the highest score, 1600, and many are thrilled if their scores hit the 1300 mark. My daughter Alissa began the process...
College Planning Mroz, Marci Parent's Platform Tests & Testing
Midwinter—that gray eclipse between New Year’s and spring break when we’re tempted to hibernate.With the winter holidays over, academic rigors and extracurricular activities reconvene full force. However, the afternoons are short and often dreary, and long winter nights can become...
For teens and preteens interested in theater, film, and screenwriting, I recommend three books: Break a Leg! The Kids’ Guide to Acting and Stagecraft, by Lisa Friedman (Workman, 2002); Screen Teen Writers: How Young Screenwriters Can Find Success, by...
For years acceleration has been misunderstood and has been the least accepted intervention for highly capable students. Finally, A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students, a national report that provides key findings from 50 years of...
Challenging the belief that programs for gifted children are elitist, Being Smart about Gifted Children, by Dona Matthews, PhD, and Joanne Foster, EdD (Great Potential, 2004), shows that providing appropriate educational experiences for children of high ability is the right...
Book Reviews Collins-Perry, Bobbie Currents Educational Strategies Parenting/Advocacy
Dual enrollment, whereby high school students enroll in college courses and earn high school and college credit simultaneously, is increasingly the subject of state legislation. Do your state’s policies promote or impede such programs? State Dual Enrollment Policies: Addressing Access...
Currents Educational Strategies Legislation/Law Stephens, Kristen R.
You’re partway through the school year and looking to ensure that your child is having a positive and productive educational experience. Turn to the National PTA Back-to-School page at www.pta.org/parentinvolvement/bts/index.asp for expert guidance and resources. You’ll find advice in...