Chicago Schools: Inducement For Graduatea?

STEM education, the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects, is an essential component to preparing the workforce of the future. However, it appears schools across the country are failing to answer that call. Few primary and secondary schools are offering courses in these subjects that directly apply to the workforce needs of today, and even where courses are available, they are still not considered part of the core curriculum. The good news is that as gurus in these industries begin to sit up and take notice of the gap in our education system, some schools are also rising up in an effort to bring STEM studies to public education.

STEM is not widely embraced by the public education system in the U.S. currently. According to a U.S. News and World Report report, only 2,100 high schools out of 42,000 currently offer the Advanced Placement test in computer science. This number is actually down 25 percent over the past five years. In addition, few states allow computer science to be taken to meet a math or science requirement. Only nine states allow computer science to be used as a core class that goes toward meeting graduation requirements.

“It will get you just as close to graduation as it will if you take woodworking,” Brad Smith, executive vice president of legal and corporate affairs at Microsoft, told U.S. News and World Report. “I love wood, but it’s not the future of our economy,”

Homework is the opportunity for children to practice the skills that they are learning at school at home. It allows parents to assess how their child is doing in school and to give extra help when needed. Homework also provides students additional time to research and grasp important concepts fully.

Getting Homework Help

If you are having trouble solving a problem or finding the answer to a question, there are several resources you can turn to. You may want to begin by asking an adult for help with your homework. Another resource is to look online for answers. Several online sites offer free tutoring help whenever you ask.

• Homework Help: Resources to help you get started on your homework
• Online Homework Help: Free online homework help

Search First! The Answer May be Right in Front of your Nose

Students often overlook prominent places to find the answers and solutions to the problem. Before you turn to online sources, check your textbook for answers. Carefully reading the assigned chapters can often help you find the information. Another great source is doing a quick search on the Internet.

• Fact Monster Resources: Online site to help get you started researching

This video offers an opinion about homework, i.e., the pros and cons.

Found Answer Online, How Do I Know If It's Right?

When researching, it is important to consider your online sources carefully. Sites that

While every parent hopes for academic success for their children, most are unsure how to go about nurturing and guiding their children to that success. Students that are successful in the classroom often exhibit similar characteristics, no matter what their age, gender, or cultural background. By identifying the characteristics common to successful students, parents can go to work helping their kids develop those traits that will reap the greatest benefit for them in school.

Eagerness to Learn

Children who perform best in school have a natural eagerness to learn new things. According to Education.com, much of that eagerness stems from parents and others in the child’s life that have offered a world of interesting things to discover. When children are exposed to many different environments at a young age, they quickly learn that the world is a big, interesting place just waiting for them to explore. However, parents that work this concept too hard may burn a child out on the learning process before school even begins. It is also important for kids to have plenty of free time both with other children and alone to create and play.

This TedTalk discusses the importance of every child needing a champion.

Love of Reading

The U.S. Department of Education states that the most important thing parents can do to ensure their children’s success in school is to nurture a love of

Your kids will get better grades if you are involved at school! A 2008 study from the University of New Hampshire indicates that students perform much better academically if their parents are involved in the school. However, that news can create more stress for already busy parents who are trying to juggle full-time jobs and child-rearing simultaneously. The good news is that there are many ways to get involved in your child’s school without taking time off from work or further taxing an already packed schedule. Check out these ten ways busy parents can make a positive impact at their children’s schools.

Consider a Parent Club

Consider membership in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or similar group at your child’s school. Parent groups typically meet one evening a week or month to accommodate a busy work schedule. They are often involved in many of the all-school activities and stay abreast of the latest happenings within the school, according to Great Schools. PTA members get to know many of the school staff and play a role in the school's overall success.

Sponsor a Student Club

Student clubs may also meet in the late afternoons or evenings, and they are generally looking for adult sponsors. High schools need parental help for sports teams, music and theatre productions, and other after-school clubs. Even elementary and middle schools might offer extracurricular activities at a convenient time for your schedule and in a subject where you can offer