K-12 Education Report

Brought to you by Sylvan Learning Center

 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

2004 Sylvan Learning, Inc. All rights reserved.

 he past 50 years have brought major changes in education. But one thing has stayed
the samethe more schools and families work together, the more successful a student
can become.
As parents, we need to stay abreast of the latest trends in our schools and our
communities. As teachers, we need to continue to improve our communication with
parents. Fostering relationships among home, school and the community will enhance the
education of all of our nations young people.
This publication is meant to give you a snapshot of the important trends and developments in
education so you can better understand how to have a positive impact on the educational outcome
of 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 changed
with reading, writing and math. Youll find the latest information and research about how your
child 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 both
their parents and teachers have their best interests in mind, they know they have allies when they
begin to struggle. Children who have confidence in themselves and their future have an easier
time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. Learn whats happening with the State of
the 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 Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act and Brown vs. Board of Education. And 2002s No Child Left
Behind (NCLB) Act has the potential to effect some of the most significant changes to date. But
while 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 given day, but parental involvement is
continuous. That said, standardized tests are here to stay, and parents must do their best to help
their children prepare. For tips on how you can help your child prepare for these tests, see
Understanding 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 to
get 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 High
Schoolers 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 to
increase students confidence in their abilities. Our children have more opportunities than ever
before 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.

page 1
 The Changing Face
of Education
Despite 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.

Parents are more sophisticated about education than ever before, and the country is more
focused on education than it has ever been. People are getting smarter about education How Does Your State
and its necessity, says Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Stack Up In Reading?
Learning Center. Parents are demanding the best for their children. They expect more
from teachers, schools and even from themselves. They expect their tax dollars to be Top Six States in Reading Scores,
spent wisely because they know how important education is. Grade 8
Standardized testing, class size, school safety, technology in the classroom, confidence, 1. Massachusetts
teacher recruitment and training and college preparation are only some of the issues on 2. New Hampshire
the minds of parents and educators. 3.Vermont
In addition, the United States does not follow a 4. Montana
Subjects in Which Parents national curriculum. The United States is the
Say Their Children Need Help only leading democracy in the world that does not 5. North Dakota
Outside the Classroom have a national curriculum, Bavaria says. As a 6. South Dakota
result, each state has its own standards, within Bottom Six States in Reading Scores,
which lie the fundamentals of reading, mathematics Grade 8
and writing. With the No Child Left Behind
(NCLB) Act we are now moving closer to 45. Alabama
establishing higher, more consistent standards for 46. Louisiana
core subjects, and a higher level of proficiency from 47. New Mexico
our students, particularly in the key areas of 48. Nevada
reading, mathematics and writing.

Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research 49. Hawaii
50. California
Reading
Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center For
The most fundamental learning skill, reading has always been the foundation of a Education Statistics, 2003.

quality education. The ability to read, comprehend and distill information has never
been more important.
The way that children are taught reading has varied over the years, with the pendulum
swinging from the phonics approach to the whole-word approach and back. In the past How Does Your State
Stack Up In Math?
Top Six States in Math Scores,
Tech-Savvy Teaching Grade 8
1. Minnesota
Parentteacher conferences were once the only time parents and instructors discussed a students
2. Massachusetts
progress. But today, many teachers use public online message boards and classroom blogs (online
journals) to keep students on track and parents in the loop. Sites such as www.SchoolNotes.com allow 3. North Dakota
teachers to create free websites for their classes where students and parents can view upcoming 4. Montana
assignments and tests and learn what topics students are studying. Parents who register their email 5. New Hampshire
addresses receive notifications when teachers update the site.
6.Vermont
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 can Bottom Six States in Math Scores,
attend the conference at their convenience, gauge and comment on their childs progress, and talk with Grade 8
the teacher via email.
45. Louisiana
While nothing compares with face-to-face meetings, research shows that virtual parent-teacher
communication has its benefits. Fifty-eight percent of teachers who post homework assignments online 46. Hawaii
or via email say the practice increases homework completion rates, according to a study by the 47. Arkansas
educational sales division of CDW Corp, a direct marketer of technology products and services in the 48. New Mexico
United States.
49. Alabama
Good communication between parents and teachers is critical to a childs progress. But time constraints
50. Mississippi
on everyone make it more difficult to convene at school. Thankfully, online portals keep the priority
where it should beon the child. Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center For
Education Statistics, 2003.

page 2
10 years, there has been a move toward the
phonics approach. However, educators and
reading experts are recognizing that both
approaches have certain merits and that the
approach should be driven more by the childs
learning style than by a rigid adherence to one
particular methodology. Once a child
recognizes that letters make sounds and sounds
make words, he or she has mastered the key to
reading success, Bavaria says.
There is no better way to make a
life full and rich than by reading.
It opens up the world to us and
that is what we want for all
of our children.
Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., vice president of education
for Sylvan Learning Center
There is so much information coming our
way every day that it requires a skilled reader
to keep up, Bavaria says. A person without
reading skills has a hard time maneuvering in
the complicated society in which we live.
People who have strong reading skills are able
to open doors that are closed to other people.
Mathematics
In this modern information age, children not
only need a thorough understanding of math,
but they also need to be constantly reminded
of its relevance.
Fourth-graders at or above
proficiency in NAEP*
mathematics
13%
1990
*National Assessment of Education Progress
Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center for Education Statistics, 2003.
There was a time in the United States when
you could graduate from high school without
having studied much math and make a
perfectly honorable and very respectable
living, Bavaria says. Today, those jobs are few
and far between.
Consequently, it is important for children to
build a strong foundation in math and it is
incumbent upon parents and teachers to be
sure students understand the fundamentals.
Schools all over the country are rising to the
challenge. Teachers and educators are not only
drilling in the basic math facts, but they are
also teaching children the relevance of math in
their everyday lives. This allows students to
look at math in a deeper sense that goes
beyond rote memorization. In fact, most high
schools now require all students to pass
algebra, which was not formerly the case.
Writing
The ability to communicate, entertain
and persuade with superior writing skills is
important in everything from proficiency
requirements on standardized tests to the
job market.
In recent years, the popularity of the Internet,
email and instant messaging (IM), has resulted
in new informal styles of writing, forcing
English teachers to play catch-up. Computer
shorthand, such as substituting u for you
or & for and, is showing up in term papers
and writing assignments.
According to a recent survey by Sylvan
Learning Center, 91 percent of teachers
nationwide say they do not allow the use of
this informal writing style in their students
assignments. However, 76 percent of teachers
surveyed agree that children can benefit from
email and IM as a learning opportunity.
Should students still learn formal, grammati-
cally correct English? asks Bavaria. Of
course they should, but they dont need to use
that formal language with all audiences. Its
important for them to know and use the
appropriate style for a particular audience.
My advice to parents is to look for oppor-
32% tunities to have their children develop a love
of writing, whether its through email and IM
or more traditional forms, says Bavaria. No
matter what the format, practicing writing
2003 helps hone their ability to put their thoughts
into words.
NCLB is a far cry from the
one size fits all approach as
many have believed. The success
of schools is now being measured
on the academic achievement
of all students so that children
who need help arent hidden
in averages.
Rod Paige, U.S. Department of Education Secretary
No Child Left Behind:
A Parents Perspective
Almost three years after its enactment,
the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act
continues to impact schools and homes
around the country.
Signed into law in early 2002, NCLB
constitutes the most significant changes
to the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act since its enactment in
1965. The idea behind the NCLB Act
is to hold schools accountable for each
students growth. What does this really
mean for parents?
Parents with children in schools that
do not meet state standards for at least
two consecutive years may transfer
their children to a better-performing
public school, including a public
charter school within their district.
Students from low-income families in
schools that fail to meet state standards
for at least three years are eligible to
receive supplemental educational
services, including tutoring, after-
school services and summer school.
Parents will receive report cards so
they can see which schools are
succeeding and why.
NCLB requires states to test every
child every year in grades three
through eight in reading and math.
Children will also be tested at least
once in high school.Test results
should help students, parents and
teachers know how to gauge progress
and decide if and when extra help
is necessary.
Students who attend a persistently
dangerous school or are the victim
of a violent crime while in school
have the option to attend a safe
school within their district.
Three Years Later
160,000: Number of students
during the 2002-03 school year
who took advantage of either the
supplemental educational services or
transfer provisions.
50: Number of states that have
approved accountability plans in place.
For more information about NCLB,
visit www.nclb.org.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2004
page 3
 College Prep:
Not Just for High Schoolers Anymore
Knowing the roles parents, teachers and students themselves play in preparing for college is the key to a
childs success.

Changes in the college landscape in recent years have altered Maintain Momentum: 4-6
the tone of K-12 education, with college-prep schooling and As children get older, [support] comes in different ways,
guidance beginning much earlier than high school. Ferguson says. Its limiting television watching. Its making
Increasingly seen as a necessity, college also is becoming more sure they have a quiet place to work. Its making sure youre in
expensiveand more competitive to enter. communication with the teacher.
Off to a Good Start: K-3 The parent-teacher relationship is essential to making sure
your child is keeping up with schoolwork. Make sure you
As far off as college may seem from kindergarten, instilling a stay in touch with the school and with your childs teacher and
love of learning in a child from an early age is one of that you know whats expected, she says.
the most important things a parent
can do to prepare a child for Grade school is not too early to start asking
college. The most important 62% of adults say they your children what they want to be when
thing is to really be enthusiastic believe our nations K-12 they grow up. These discussions provide an
about getting an education, says education system is not optimal time to talk about setting goals and
Sue Ferguson, chair of the National establishing the steps needed to reach those
doing well in preparing goals, such as going to college. However,
Coalition for Parent Involvement
Sue in Education. students for college. Lawrence cautions, theres a fine line
Ferguson Source: Educational Testing Service,
between having those discussions and
Displaying your childs drawings influencing your childs opinion. Its
Quality, Affordability, and Access:
and schoolwork and asking what Americans Speak on Higher important to let your child come to his
he learned in school each day are Education, 2003. own conclusion.
just two simple ways to excite
your child about learning. In a
utopian world, parents would get together [with Pre-College Prep: 7-8
their children] and talk about the day, says John When it comes to the actual coursework that children must
Lawrence, president of the American Association of take to get into college, that begins in middle school, Ferguson
School Administrators and superintendent of the says. Often, students and parents dont realize the importance
John Lincoln County R-III School District in Troy, Mo. of taking algebra or the importance of the English/math/
Lawrence Even if its a minute or less, it reinforces the idea of science classes. Those are the classes that get you into college.
education being life long. When children get into middle school and high school, its
Developing good study habits at an early age will also have an important to know whats being offered.At the same time,
impact. If parents make sure that they ask,Do you have however, Lawrence cautions that your child needs a bit more
homework? it will help their children focus and develop good leeway at this age.
study habits, Lawrence says. Also important, he says, is not Middle school is, however, a good time for your child to begin
only reading to your children, but taking the time to listen to the college investigation process. Reading about colleges
them read back. Encouraging children to read and write online or in publications like U.S. News & World Reports annual
during the summer months will keep their minds active. Americas Best Colleges report, released in August, is a great
way to learn about the personalities of different schools and
Estimated Student Aid by Source for what might be the best fit for your child.
Academic Year 2002-03
(Current Dollars in Billions) Percent of Total
And the earlier you can visit collegesboth four-year and
community institutionsthe better. It is very important to
take children to take a look at them so they can see what the
campus looks like, what the atmosphere is like, Ferguson says.

The Homestretch: 9-12

Despite all of the early college preparation, high school
is when it really kicks into high gear. Students should sit down
with a counselor early in ninth grade and plan four-year course
schedules, with options that may include taking Advanced
Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
During junior year, students should take the PSAT, a test that
provides firsthand practice for the SAT reasoning test. The
Source: Trends in Student Aid, The College Board, 2003-2004.

page 4
 75% of adults agree that in order to be successful today, The Rising Costs
you must have a college degree. No matter the age of your child, reports
of skyrocketing college costs probably
97% of adults agree that a good education is a high priority in their family. have you thinking about how you will
afford college when the time comes.
96% of adults agree that it is the parents responsibility to make In the last decade, tuition has jumped
41 percent in constant 2003 dollars at
sure their children receive the best possible education. public four-year colleges, and it rose
Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research
14.1 percent last year alone, reports the
College Board.
It really is never too early to start
test measures critical reading skills, math changes as a child enters high school, but it saving, says John Lawrence, president
problem solving skills and writing skills. is no less important to know what is going of the American Association of School
Some students benefit by taking the test on. [Parents] really do need to stay in Administrators. You need to
early, usually in their sophomore year. touch with the teacher; they need to attend strategically plan to save for your
However, it is a junior-level test so it may be the conferences, Ferguson says. As much children. Some experts suggest that
more challenging for younger students. as children may hide behind their bravado, it parents calculate how much to save by
Students at this age should not, however, matters to them a great deal that their looking at the cost of school today,
parents care. researching what the trend increases
forget to have fun. I hope children make have been, extrapolating the reasonable
sure they have a balance of extracurricular That continuing support and involvement, cost of tuition in the future and
activities, Lawrence says. Sometimes kids get both at home and from outside resources, will incrementally working to that end.
so focused on college that I think they miss a help high school students get through tough Other experts recommend seeking the
lot along the way. classes, intimidating standardized tests and assistance of a financial planner.
A parents relationship with teachers typically college applications.
College savings plans such as prepaid
tuition plans and Section 529 plans are
increasingly popular options. Prepaid
Average Tuition/Fees/Room/Board Charges at Four-Year Institutions, tuition plans enable parents to pay for
in Constant 2003 Dollars, (Enrollment-Weighted) future college attendance at the current
tuition rates. Section 529 plans are
state-sponsored, and investors are not
taxed on the money invested. The
College Board reports that these plans
have assets of more than $35 billion
and an average of $6,573 per account.
Scholarships also are a great way to
supplement savings and avoid loans.
Scholarship money goes unclaimed
every year. Doing research on
scholarships and keeping track of
application deadlines will help ensure
success. Here are several websites to
help you uncover possibilities available
for your child:
The College Savings Plans Network,
www.collegesavings.org
American Council on Education,
www.collegeispossible.org
Source: Trends in College Pricing, The College Board, 2003-2004.
Wired scholar,
www.wiredscholar.com/
94% of 6th through 12th graders said they believed they would attend paying/content/index.jsp
school after high school; 96% of their parents said the same. Scholarships.com,
www.scholarships.com
63% of 11th and 12th graders parents said they had made some FastWeb, www.fastweb.com
financial preparations for college; just 57% of college-bound 6th
through 8th graders parents said the same.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 1999

page 5
 Understanding Your Childs
Approach To Learning
Five 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.

Dr. G. Reid Lyon
Chief of the Child Development and Behavior
Branch of the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development (NICHD)
The young brain is very ready to
learn all kinds of things. The key is in how
you teach it. You cant teach a 4-year-old
child like you would a 1st grader.
One NICHD study focused on 6- and 8-year-old children
who received early intervention and individual tutoring. Each
brain was imaged before and after the intervention, as well as a
year afterward. The idea was to see if early intervention and
increased instruction would have an effect on how a childs
brain tackled the problem of learning to read. According to
Lyon, the results were intriguing.
The way the brain processed the information before the
intervention when they couldnt read was very different from
children who could read.After intervention, the children were
reading at their age-appropriate level and their brain scans
looked exactly like good reader brains.
In addition, other recent research at the NICHD has
made early childhood learning and creating a supportive
classroom priorities.
Alan Simpson
Spokesman for the National Association for
the Education of Young Children
Its important for parents, teachers and
educators to recognize that although
research shows childrens learning potential
is extraordinary, each child learns at a
different rateparticularly at the start of schooling.
One of the most important things that teachers need to know
for early childhood classrooms is how to support and nurture
the learning of many different children with many different
levels of developmenteven if theyre all the same age.
Research does tell us young children can do a lot more in a
preschool setting than some people may have thought before.
But they [children] need that learning to be provided in a way
thats appropriate to their age and level of development. We
cant just take a curriculum that was once designed for second
graders and start applying it to kindergartners or preschoolers
and hope to succeed.
Reading aloud to children helps stimulate
brain development, yet only 50% of infants
and toddlers are routinely read to
by their parents.
Source: www.brainconnection.com
Dr. Daniel Miller
President of the National Association of School
Psychologists
A childs learning style is his or her
preferred method of learningthe way he
or she learns best. The best times to
determine 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 style
based on how theyre acquiring reading. If they sound
everything out, then theyre going to be more auditory
learners. If theyre going to use flash cards to memorize the
whole word as they see it, then theyre going to be more
inclined to be a visual learner.

Tutor Tip-off
Signs your child may need a tutor,
and how to find one that works.
There are a variety of characteristics in your
childs work and behavior that may indicate
that he or she needs some extra help from a
tutor. Here are some indicators to look for:
Despite putting forth a strong effort, your
child still struggles in school or receives a poor
report card.
Your child often claims to feel unwell while
getting ready for school.
Your child says things like Im stupid, or that
she is ready to give up.
A teacher reports that your child is having
behavior problems or is disruptive.
A teacher reports that your child is having
difficulty retaining and understanding lessons.
Homework is consistently a struggle.
Your child says he hates school or a
particular subject.
After you have determined that your child
needs a tutor, it is important to find one that
fits her needs and is trained and certified. The
tutor should identify your childs specific areas
of need and design lesson plans to accom-
modate your childs strengths and weaknesses.
In order to promote true understanding of the
material, tutors should go beyond focusing on
memorization of current school material. It is
also good to look at the teacher/student ratio.
If your child is young or has a short attention
span, individualized instruction is probably best.
After finding a tutor, make sure you and the
tutor communicate regularly through progress
reports or periodic meetings. You need to be
aware of your childs progress and have an
opportunity to express any concerns.

page 6

80% of teachers strongly agree that all children can learn.
Source: Attitudes About Teaching, Public Agenda, 2003.
As they grow up, visual learners will take
notes or make lists while auditory learners like
to hear things. They like to hear instructions.
They like to be told what to do, i.e.Dont put
it in writing, just tell me what I need to do.
A child who is constantly moving or a child
that needs to be moving while theyre learning
[is a kinesthetic or tactile learner]. If a child
expresses interest in tracing lettersmore
hands-onthen theyre learning more
kinesthetically.
Although visual, auditory and kinesthetic are
the three most common learning styles, there is
no right or wrong learning style.
Sara Erling
A developmentalist at the
National Association for
Child Development
Although changing the
curriculum is part of the
equation, establishing the
neurological foundation for learning to occur
should be the first priority.
How we learn is a reflection of how our
brain receives, processes, stores and utilizes
information, Erling says. In our experience
in working with thousands of children, those
that become accelerated have established
Characteristics Parents
Look for in Tutoring
Student receives one-on-one attention
Customized instructional content for each child
Source: 2001 Sylvan Learning Center Research
neurological organization, therefore making
the process of learning new skills an easy and
efficient one.
Dr. James Therrell
An 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 changes
being 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.
Critical/Very
Important
78%
74%
Visual Learners
Ensure that they can easily see your body
language and facial expressions.
Use visual displays, diagrams, illustrated
textbooks, overhead transparencies, videos,
flipcharts and handouts.
Give them time to take detailed notes so
they can absorb information.
Auditory Learners
Read information aloud.
Discuss topics, talk things through and
listen to what others have to say.
Incorporate group and discussion work.
Consider how you use speech, as auditory
learners interpret the underlying meanings
through listening to tone of voice, pitch
and speed.
Kinesthetic Learners
Incorporate a hands-on approach.
Use practical activities or demonstrations.
Choose kinesthetic learners to carry out
demonstrations.
Visit www.educate.com for tools to help
you discover your childs learning style.
Must-Have Books
For more information on brain
development, learning styles and their
effect on education in the United States,
pick up these classics.
Discover Your Childs Learning Style,
by Mariaemma Willis and Victoria
Kindle Hodson. Written by two
longtime educators, this book goes
beyond the simple modes of visual,
auditory and kinesthetic learning styles
and discusses more in-depth aspects of a
childs learning needs.
Your Childs Growing Mind:A Practical
Guide to Brain Development and Learning
From Birth to Adolescence, by Jane M. Healy.
Originally published in 1987, this book
has been a cornerstone for educators ever
since. Now revised and updated to reflect
recent findings in brain research, this book
guides parents, teachers and caregivers as
they gauge the level of development of a
childs brain.
Differentiated Instructional Strategies,
by Gayle H. Gregory and Carolyn
Chapman. This book focuses on
practical processes teachers can use
to adjust lessons based on individual
students knowledge, skills, experience,
preferences and needs.
page 7
 State of the Classroom: Facts and Figures
Over the past few decades, teaching has become an increasingly difficult job. Discipline problems and a shortage
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.

Pupil/Teacher Ratio in Elementary and Teaching as a Profession

Secondary Schools What do Parents Think?
Contrary to popular belief, class size actually has decreased in
the past decade. And, most important, it is projected that it
will continue to decrease. Efforts such as the Class Size
Reduction Program (now incorporated into Title II funds) and
85% agree that most teachers are committed
to their profession and really care about
their students.
the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, are partially the
reason. States across the country receive billions of dollars that What Do Superintendents Think?
enable them to recruit, hire, and train thousands of new
teachers 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.
76% say they need more freedom when it comes
to having the capacity to reward outstanding
teachers and staff.

70% agree that higher salaries for teachers would help

improve teacher quality.

What Do Teachers Think?

96% of new teachers say teaching is work they

love to do.

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 for
children to focus on learning, explains Richard E. Bavaria,
Ph.D., vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center.
Source: Projections of Education Statistics to 2013, National Center for Education Statistics, 2003. More and more families are looking at summertime as an
opportunity to catch their children up academically, or get
ahead for the following school year. Regardless of what their
Discipline Dilemma goal is, families see value in making summertime a fun
learning time. Log onto www.educate.com/activities for ideas
62% of teachers attribute behavior problems to
overcrowded classrooms and schools. and free resources for creating summer learning fun at home.

52% of Americas teachers report their school

has an armed police officer stationed on 2.6 Number of months of grade level equivalency
in mathematical computation an average
student can lose over the summer months.
school grounds.

33% of teachers say colleagues in their school have

quit or were asked to leave because student
discipline and behavior became overwhelming.
22% Percentage of the school year teachers
spend reteaching forgotten information to
students instead of teaching new information
and skills.
Source: Teaching Interrupted: Do Discipline Policies in Todays Public Schools Foster the Common Good? Source: Research Summary on Summer Learning Programs, Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer
Public Agenda, May 2004. Learning, 2002.

page 8
Parental Involvement and Perceptions
Michelle
What Parents are Saying McLaughlin
Parental Responsibilities Assistant Director,
Educational Issues
98% think it is parents responsibility to make sure their children receive the
best possible education.1
Department,American
Federation of Teachers

83% say they review their childs homework everyday.1

Q: What are the three biggest changes
the teaching profession has seen

55% think that parents are the most important factor in determining whether
students learn in school.2
over the past two decades?
A: Over the past two decades, the teaching
profession has seen greater emphasis on
teacher quality, standards and school
safety. Placing a qualified teacher who is
Money Matters knowledgeable about the subject matter

100% say they are willing to invest extra time to make sure their child does well
in school.1
in every classroom is essential to giving
all children an equal opportunity for
success. And, with more being required
of todays students, there is a renewed
91% say they are willing to spend extra money to make sure their child gets a
good education.1 focus on standards and assessment as an
important part of improving student
achievement. School safety and discipline
are also issues that teachers deal with on
An All-Around Education a daily basis. Without a safe school
environment, student learning suffers.
58% say grades are the best way to know if your child is doing well in school.1
Q: What is the biggest challenge
facing teachers today?
50% say good education requires extra professional help outside the classroom.1
A: One of the largest challenges facing
many teachers today is the goal of
helping disadvantaged children meet high
standards in the face of great inequity
Some Startling Stats on What Teachers are Saying of resources.

83% say there are problems in their school with parents who fail to set limits and
create structure at home.2
All children can and should learn at high
standards and it is important that teachers
create challenging assignments that are
fairly assessed to help them do so.
60% say there are problems with insufficient parental involvement.2
Q: What can parents do to help their
childs teacher?
78% agree that too many parents have little idea of what is going on with their
own childs education.2 A:At home, it is the parents role to enforce
the importance and enjoyment of school
and the discipline of and respect for
learning and for teachers. And, by in-
1
Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research
2
creasing communication and cooperation
Source: An Assessment of Survey Data on Attitudes About Teaching: Including the Views of Parents, Administrators, Teachers and the General Public,
Public Agenda, 2004. with teachers, parents can help promote
good behavior. By addressing the
discipline issue it will help improve
teacher quality and retention.

Most Americans believe, as the NEA [National Education Association] Q: What can teachers do to get parents
more involved?
does, that our greatest legacy to future generations is making sure every A: It is a teachers responsibility to encour-
child has access to a free and quality public education. Parents can age communication with parents, making
provide a solid foundation for learning by spending time teaching parents and teachers partners in educa-
tion. When lines of communication
children to follow directions, stick to and complete tasks, are open, everyone in the educational
learn about the world and read. process benefits.
Anjetta McQueen, spokesperson, National Education Association

page 9
 Understanding Standardized Testing
The 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. In Although each of these tests
addition to teacher-made tests, there are state-sponsored tests, asks different types of 80% of teachers say
school-sponsored tests and college entrance exams. In addition questions, from reading to having guidelines
to the variety of tests, there is a range of uses for the data writing to math and science, for what students
gathered from the tests, from statewide assessment to school they provide grade-by-grade should learn helps
funding to an individual students ability to advance from one content that can be compared
improve academic
grade to the next. With so much testing and so much pressure nationally and can offer
on results, parents struggle to fit their childrens needs into the insight into a childs strengths performance.
testing picture. Heres a breakdown of the most common tests, and weaknesses. Teachers also Source: Stand by Me: What Teachers
current trends in testing, and what each student, teacher and can use the results to develop Really Think about Unions, Merit
Pay and Other Professional Matters,
family can do to get the most from a rigorous process. programs that will benefit Public Agenda, 2003.
students achievement levels.
Testing In School
New national legislation has changed the face of standardized College Entrance Exams
testing. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act was Some of the best-known standardized tests are those taken by
passed into law. A comprehensive program comprising four high school juniors and seniors as part of the college appli-
basic principles, NCLB cation process. This market is ruled by the SAT and the ACT
In 2003, the nation-wide emphasizes standardized assessment test, two exams that are offered by independent
average SAT score testing. Under the testing companies. Unlike in-school testing, the SAT and
principle of accounta- ACT are voluntary, and students must sign up for them.
increased six points, bility for results, NCLB
from 1020 to 1026. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring a students
requires each state to knowledge and ability in reading, writing, math and science.
Source: The College Board, 2004. establish rigorous The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with an average score
curriculum standards for of 20.8 in 2003.
what a child should know in reading and math in third
through eighth grade, and requires states to create tests that The SAT is an aptitude test, giving a college an estimate of
measure student and school achievement along these curricula. how well prepared a student is for the rigors of a college
education. The SAT is traditionally scored in two sections,
NCLB testing is still in its infancy but many states have long math and verbal, with a high score of 1600. In the spring of
used standardized tests to evaluate their schools progress 2005, however, the College Board, makers of the SAT, will
independent of national legislation. introduce a revamped SAT (see sidebar). This new test will
Most standardized tests given by elementary and high schools give colleges a better view of the all-around capabilities of an
are known as achievement tests. These exams are used to individual student, most importantly, giving college admissions
determine how much a student has already learned on a officers a glimpse into a students writing abilities.
specific topic, and are often used to
compare schools successes nationwide. Nearly 1.2 million students Getting Prepared
Some of the more common achievement
took the ACT in 2003, an Although the frequency of tests may be
tests are the Iowa Test of Basic Skills
all-time record number and daunting, preparing for a test doesnt have to
(ITBS), given to students in grades K-8,
a 5% increase from 2002. be. One important step in ensuring a child
and the Stanford Achievement Test and
is prepared for a standardized test, whether
the California Achievement Tests, both Source: www.act.org its the ITBS or the SAT, is to make sure
given to students in grades K-12.

Testing for Special-Needs
Students
Children who have 504 Plans or an
Individual Education Program (IEP) are
often entitled to special accommodations
during testing. These accommodations
vary from extra time to extra resources to
extra help, and are often necessary to
ensure that special-needs students scores
adequately 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 any
student who requires only reasonable
accommodationmeaning that no
special classes are necessary, only special
attention or instruction from a regular
classroom teacher. For students needing
special instruction, an IEP is created.
More formal than the 504 Plan, the IEP
is a legal document that outlines the
constantly communicate to ensure that
duties and responsibilities of a school
regarding an individual student. Both of
these documents are reevaluated each
year to ensure that the student is reaching
the educational goals and the teacher is
making the necessary accommodations.
These plans are not intended to change
what a child learns; they are intended to
change how a child learnsan important
factor that applies to testing as well. Both
the IEP and the 504 plan cover testing,
and parents and teachers need to
testing accommodations provide the best
setting for a special-needs child to excel.

page 10
there is open communication between a
parent and the childs teacher. Part of a
teachers job is to identify testable skills and
to make sure that each student is working
toward mastering these skills. Parents need to
stay on top of the curriculum, both in the
larger statewide content and in individual
classrooms. Most states release their standards
of instruction, which are the topics on which
each grade will be tested. By staying on top
of these predetermined goals, parents and
teachers can make sure each student is on the
right path.
Study Skills Areas in Which Parents
Say Their Children Need Help
Source: 2002 Sylvan Learning Center Research
Preparation for SAT and ACT testing is
more time intensive than for in-school
testing, and requires more self-motivation
from the individual student. There are many
popular test-prep courses. Parents should
meet with teachers and guidance counselors
to determine whats best for the student.
Some students feel more confident after
taking a class or receiving tutoring; others
are fine being tested on what they have
learned at school.
Regardless of the test, some advance conver-
sation is important. Parents need to make sure
that their child is familiar with the format of
the test and the scoring methods, as well as the
reason for the test. Children should know if
there will be consequences from their score,
such as influencing their ability to advance a
grade level or get into a school, or if the test is
an assessment test meant to measure the level
of the class as a whole.
Understand The Score
Once test day is over, its time to decode the
score. Standardized tests are often scored on a
unique scale, so reading and understanding the
report is key to using the information the
exam gathers. A standard score is the closest
to a grade that the test awards, and it allows
comparison with a national or grade level-
based median score. A 1300 on the SAT test
is an example of the standard score. Stan-
dardized testing score sheets also include a
percentile score, signaling what percentage of
students scored below the individual students
standard score. If a student is in the 56th
percentile, for example, she scored higher than
56 percent of all students taking the test.
Score reports often feature stanines, a
measurement derived from a nine-point scale
of achievement. This scale separates scores
into nine achievement levels, with one being
the lowest. So, for example, a six would
signify a higher-than-average achievement
level. Stanines are a quick way to measure a
students progress from year to year.
65% of teachers think the
push for standards, testing and
accountability is here to stay.
Source: Stand by Me: What Teachers Really Think
about Unions, Merit Pay and other Professional Matters,
Public Agenda, 2003.
Once the report comes in, it is beneficial for
parents and teachers to take time to go over
the report together. Since testing is so large a
part of current school life, parents need to
ensure that a childs testing skills match the
quality of the childs classroom skills.
Testing is not a cureall for every school
system, nor is it a definitive measure of a
childs, or a schools, performance. It is,
however, a way to quickly measure the general
standing of an educational system and of many
students at once. With NCLB being backed
by the federal government and ever-increasing
numbers of high-school students heading to
college, standardized tests are here to stay.
National Math Scores, 2003
Comprehension 4th
Grade
level:
% %
Below basic 23
At basic 77
At proficient 29
At advanced 4 5
National Reading Scores, 2003
4th
Comprehension
Grade
level: % %
Below basic 37
At basic 32
At proficient 24
At advanced 8 3
Note: Numbers are percentage of students who
scored at that level. For 4th grade, numbers
add up to a little more than 100 because of
rounding.
Source: The Nations Report Card, National Center for Education
Statistics, 2004.
Brian
OReilly
Executive Director,
SAT information
and services, the
College Board
Q: What are the major changes to
the SAT?
A:The biggest change is the addition of
the writing section. It consists of
multiple choice [questions] that deal
with grammar and usagevery similar
to the current SAT II writing test.
Weve also changed the name of the
verbal section to critical reading,
deleting analogies and replacing them
with shorter, one-to-two paragraph
reading comprehension. The math
section will be losing the quantitative
comparison section so that we can
bring in third year mathwhat most
people know as Algebra 2.
Q: Why did the College Board
decide to update the test?
A:Writing is an important skill for
college students, and this is the skill
where the most students are deficient.
Q: How do the changes affect
scoring?
A:The largest and most visible change is
that by adding a third section, we are
adding a third score on the 200-800
scale. The highest score is now a 2400
rather than a 1600.
Q: How will the writing section be
scored?
A: Each test is scored on a scale of one
8th through six. Two teachers go over
Grade
every exam, with what we call a holistic
approach. The essay will require stu-
dents to take a position and provide an
32
argument and examples. Students will
68
be graded by development of the argu-
23
ment, how the examples relate to the
point and varied sentence structure.
Q: What different steps should
students and parents take to
8th prepare for the test?
Grade A:What weve always said still holds: take
challenging courses in high school,
read widely, take the PSAT.
26
42 Q: What are the benefits of the new
29 writing section?
A:The SAT is meant to help students
pick colleges, and help colleges pick
students. The test is not designed to
identify brilliant writers, just like it isnt
designed to identify a brilliant mathe-
matician. Its there to give a college
confidence that a student has a mastery
of writing, for any future major.
page 11
 A Checklist for Parents
Parental 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 learn
about classroom activities. Use the open house as an opportunity to begin a yearlong dialogue with your
childs teachers. Dont wait until theres a problem to contact the teachers.
Determine your childs learning style: Understanding your childs learning style will help you discover
his or her individual learning needs. Your childs teachers can help you pinpoint your childs learning style
and 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 better
in school.

Ask questions and listen to answers: Stay in touch with whats happening with your childs education
by taking time each night to ask your child about his or her day. Ask about specific activities at school that
dayassignments, tests, projectsand also about friends and teachers. By having a regular dialogue about
education, 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. Involvement
with 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 and
continuing education activities. Talk about how learning plays a role in your job or at home. Show that
learning is a part of every daywhether its the historic places you visit and learn about on vacation or your
active 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 what
is going on in the classroom. The website will help you guide your conversations with your child and the
classroom teacher.
Encourage after-school activities: Extracurricular activities are a positive part of your childs
development. Work with your child to create a time management plan to keep school responsibilities and
outside 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 in
where 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 do
after graduation? Develop an educational milestone calendar, listing everything from small goals such as
Join the Math Club to Go to College. Conquering small goals along the way helps the larger goals seem
more attainable.

page 12