Parenting and Learning Issues

A commonly cited statistic suggests that as many as 20% of high school dropouts are gifted students. Does this statistic surprise you? On one side of the coin, you might think that gifted students would be more likely to excel in school than traditional students. On the other side of the coin, it makes sense that gifted students might drop out of school if they are not properly challenged. If you are the parent, guardian, or teacher of a gifted student then it is your duty to make sure they are pushed hard enough to meet their maximum potential.

Myths and Misconceptions

The statistic quoted earlier could be interpreted in different ways. Some might assume that gifted students will excel no matter what kind of schooling they receive while others might be able to see that gifted students are often bored in traditional classrooms which leads to a higher dropout rate. Before getting into the details regarding how to properly challenge a gifted student, it is important to address some common myths and misconceptions about gifted students.

This video discusses teaching gifted students.

• Gifted students will do fine in normal classrooms. According to a study conducted by the Fordham Institute, over 50% of teachers have not received any professional development in regard to teaching gifted students. Furthermore, nearly 75% of those same teachers admitted that the brightest students in their classrooms are often bored or

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

Spelling bees continue to be a cornerstone of academic competition in public schools, promoting vocabulary development, language mastery, and confidence in young learners. While the fundamentals of success remain consistent, recent trends show that today’s spelling bee champions are combining traditional study habits with modern tools and linguistic strategies.

Understanding the secrets of spelling bee champs can help students, parents, and educators support stronger literacy outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

Why Spelling Bees Still Matter in 2026

Spelling bees are more than competitions, they reinforce core literacy skills that are essential for long-term academic success. According to recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, vocabulary and reading comprehension remain closely linked, with students demonstrating stronger spelling skills often outperforming peers in reading assessments.

In the post-pandemic learning environment, schools are placing renewed emphasis on foundational literacy. Spelling bees offer a structured and engaging way to strengthen:

• Vocabulary acquisition
• Pattern recognition
• Memory and recall
• Public speaking confidence

Many districts have also reintroduced or expanded spelling bee programs as part of broader literacy recovery initiatives.

Core Study Habits of Spelling Bee Champions

While technology has evolved, the foundational habits of top spellers remain remarkably consistent.

Consistent, Structured Practice

Spelling bee champions dedicate time daily to studying word lists and reviewing previous material. Rather than cramming, they focus on incremental learning and repetition.

Effective routines often include:

• Daily word study sessions
• Weekly cumulative reviews
• Practice tests under timed

Co-teaching is an inclusive education model in which students with special education needs are provided the opportunity to learn in a mainstream classroom with the additional support of a special education teacher who co-teaches with the general education teacher. This model has proven successful in many school districts for several reasons.

Benefits for students with special education requirements

First of all, the co-teaching model ensures that students with special needs have access to the general education curriculum. By law students with disabilities must be provided access to learning opportunities that do not restrict their ability to progress in a subject or grade level. In a co-taught class, special education students have the opportunity to move from modified assignments to typical assignments as they develop skills and confidence. As a result, co-taught special education students are generally more likely to meet grade-level standards.

While they have access to the mainstream curriculum, co-taught students also continue to receive specialized instruction. Special education teachers within the mainstream classroom can coach students individually, or in small groups, providing them the additional coaching and guidance necessary for them to complete activities and assignments.

Differentiated instruction

In addition to in-class support for mainstream assignments, co-taught students also have the opportunity to grow within the curriculum through differentiated instruction. Since there are two teachers in the class, the same material can be taught in two or more different ways. The special education teacher can anticipate student needs and, in planning lessons with the mainstream teacher,

Crafting a Plan Beyond High School

As high school students prepare for life beyond their public or private schools, it is critical that they have a plan in place for their future. While many students are encouraged to pursue more of an academic route following their graduation, there are other more suitable options available to help them select a more suitable path. Around the country, more programs are offered to provide students choices about their career paths which include but are not limited to apprenticeships, internships, vocational trade schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges.

Having a plan for life after high school is crucial for students prior to reaching their senior year. Helping students hone in on their unique interests and skillsets are all components they need when recognizing and defining future goals. Most importantly, they need to be able to articulate their goals. Many school systems look at several factors as they attempt to direct students towards being ready to pursue either the workforce or further their education.

• What are the student’s grades like?
• Do they have a strong community or family support?
• What are their academic strengths or weaknesses?
• Are they able to communicate their decisions and thoughts to others effectively?
• What are their genuine interests?

Vocational Schools

Vocational schools specialize in offering very specific skillset options for students while also ensuring completion towards certification and a high school diploma. There is no need for students to spend part of their day in their zoned school and the

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

There has been a substantial decline in the number of children who read for pleasure in the last few years. According to recent editions of Scholastic’s Kids & Family Reading Report, reading for fun has declined over the past several years. Today, only about half of children in the United States report enjoying reading for fun. A full 37% of children like to read “a little,” while 12% report not liking reading at all.

When it comes to reading, kids can come up with a million excuses as to why they don’t like it. It’s boring. There isn’t enough time. It isn’t fun. There’s already too much reading in school.

Thankfully, there is an art to promoting reading. Some methods, like nagging, definitely do not work. Yet other methods, such as modeling reading behaviors to your child, will pay dividends in the short and long term.

What NOT To Do

It can be frustrating trying to get your child to read, and in those moments, it is easy to rely on unsuccessful methods for encouraging reading. Sometimes the first inclination is to nag your child into submission, or perhaps bribe them to read by offering them a reward for doing so. Unfortunately, these methods often do more harm than good. Nagging can easily wear on your child’s nerves and lead him or her to resent the fact that they are being forced to read.