Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 3

Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 3

By Lisa Wahl, M.A.

You probably know about assistive technology (AT) tools that can help students with learning disabilities (LD) with reading, writing, math, listening and organization. Perhaps you have purchased educational software for your child. However, you may not be aware of the extent to which the computer hardware and software you already own may include several features and functions that can improve your child's academic performance. In this article, we will explore how electronic text can be adapted to assist students with LD. The use of standard technologies to enhance and support reading can benefit students as young as third-graders, throughout their education, and into the working world. You and your child will want to experiment with the techniques described in this article to find those that help him most.

Line spacing and page layout

Some students are able to read more easily with fewer words on the screen or page. Increasing the width of the margins and double spacing are two methods you can easily try. If you are going to print the text because your child prefers working from a hard copy, leaving a lot of room on one side for notes, diagrams or drawings can be helpful.

As you and your child experiment with different combinations of font, size, color and line spacing, remember that what reads best to you may not be what reads best for your child. Once you discover modifications that help your child, make note of them and remind your child to use them. If your child works on a computer at school, you'll also want to share this information with his teachers.

Customizing text: Reorganizing and editing

Electronic versions of text allow a parent or teacher to rearrange or add to the information presented, in order to reduce the child's frustration and/or increase his comprehension of material. For example, an article on geology may be broken up into shorter paragraphs. After each paragraph, you might insert key questions about the facts, along with room for the student to type the answers. You might also insert a summary before the actual text, to give the child a "preview" of the text that follows. For a student who needs a reduced amount of text to read, you might eliminate less important material, such as details not essential to understanding the concepts presented.

Tip: Electronic sources of summaries and test questions can be found online from sources such as SparkNotes.

Text to speech: The computer reads the text aloud

Software that converts text to speech may be helpful if your child is a struggling reader but an effective listener. According to a review of the research by the National Center for Innovative Technology, when the computer reads "a nonjudgmental learning environment is created, where a student can reread the same passage with a fluent model as frequently as needed."

Having the computer read text aloud is a strategy that can be used in a number of ways. A student who struggles with decoding may increase comprehension as a result of an auditory pre-reading and/or post-reading. Some children may find specific words difficult and will only need to hear those words read aloud. Some programs highlight each word as it is read aloud, offering the reinforcement of reading and listening together.

One way to have a computer read text is to use speech features within a program you may already own, such as Inspiration®, Kidspiration®, AppleWorks®, StoryBook Weaver Deluxe®, and KidPix Deluxe®. You can use these programs to highlight and read aloud electronic.

Books you download may be formatted for the free Microsoft Reader software for the PC, which maintains the look of the original book (page numbers and graphics), and offers book-marking and other helpful features. Microsoft Reader offers a free Text-to-Speech Package for speech access.

Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 2

Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 2

By Lisa Wahl, M.A.

You probably know about assistive technology (AT) tools that can help students with learning disabilities (LD) with reading, writing, math, listening and organization. Perhaps you have purchased educational software for your child. However, you may not be aware of the extent to which the computer hardware and software you already own may include several features and functions that can improve your child's academic performance. In this article, we will explore how electronic text can be adapted to assist students with LD. The use of standard technologies to enhance and support reading can benefit students as young as third-graders, throughout their education, and into the working world. You and your child will want to experiment with the techniques described in this article to find those that help him most.

Changing the appearance of text

The key to changing the appearance of electronic text is to determine which modifications enhance readability for your child. Readability refers to a level of comfort and ease in recognizing letters and words that goes beyond mere legibility. Readability does not mean comprehension, but, by reducing the decoding load, it can increase reading comprehension for some students.

Font style and size

For a student who struggles with reading, you may want to experiment with different font (typeface) styles and sizes to find combinations that make reading electronic text easier for the child.

Research has revealed contradictory findings regarding the use of fonts for reading on the computer. One debate hinges on the use of font styles that contain serifs, which are the little horizontal lines at the tops and bottoms of characters or letters. (A "sans serif" font does not include serifs.) Some students find a serif font (such as Times Roman) easier to read on-screen because the serifs provide additional visual clues and eliminate confusion. Other surveys show more people prefer a sans serif font for reading on-screen text.2 Your child may prefer serif on paper and non-serif on the screen and may also prefer reading one size font on paper and a different size font on-screen.

Tip: Lexia is a free sans serif font that includes a non-symmetrical b and d (i.e., the b does not look like a backward d), and handwritten forms of a and g, which readers may recognize more easily.

Font color and background color

Font color or background color may be changed to enhance readability. Research indicates the preferred color combinations, both in print and on the Web, vary by the individual. Hill & Scharff (1997) found that while the majority of a large audience of Internet users preferred reading black text on a white or gray background, or blue text on a white background, some users reported that white on blue or red on white were clearest for them.

Your child may benefit from experimenting with different combinations.

Technology tips:

- Microsoft Word has an option (under Preferences>General) for changing contrast between the text and background. It provides a dark-blue background with white print. Once you've activated the blue background, you can select text and change the color. You might try the yellow or light yellow.

- Several free word processors allow a variety of background colors. TexEdit Plus is a free Macintosh word processor that has excellent speech. Jarte is a free word processor for Windows.

Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 1

Using Standard Technology to Enhance Learning: Part 1

By Lisa Wahl, M.A.

You probably know about assistive technology (AT) tools that can help students with learning disabilities (LD) with reading, writing, math, listening and organization. Perhaps you have purchased educational software for your child. However, you may not be aware of the extent to which the computer hardware and software you already own may include several features and functions that can improve your child's academic performance. In this article, we will explore how electronic text can be adapted to assist students with LD. The use of standard technologies to enhance and support reading can benefit students as young as third-graders, throughout their education, and into the working world. You and your child will want to experiment with the techniques described in this article to find those that help him most.

What is electronic text, and where can you find it?

Type the words "electronic text" into Google and you will find hundreds of collections of books, articles, and other text. Electronic (i.e., computer-displayed) text can be customized to support a student's individual learning preferences and needs. Although we still live in a world of print on paper, the amount of electronic text is growing daily.

Customizing electronic text to meet a child's needs

In this article, we will explore various ways to adapt electronic text to assist students with LD using standard technologies. You may be surprised to learn how much you can do with software you already own!

First, you'll need to locate appropriate electronic text. (See resources for locating electronic text on the Internet). Next, you will want to review your options for customizing the material to meet your child's needs.

The text on the computer screen can be copied and pasted into your word processor in a variety of ways, depending on the file you're working with:

- A plain text file can be downloaded and opened using a word processor.

- A PDF file can be downloaded and opened using Acrobat Reader. Some PDF files allow text to be selected and pasted into a word processor.

- An HTML file can be opened using any browser. Again, you may be able to select, copy and paste the text into a word processor.

- Less commonly, an electronic text document may have been formatted for specific software or devices, such as Microsoft Reader or a Palm device. These will only be useful if you have the software or device.

Once you have accessed the electronic text using one of the methods described above, you can then modify the material to make it more accessible for your child. For example, text in a word processor can be changed in appearance, reorganized or supplemented, read aloud by the computer, or used to generate portable audio versions.

Happy Memorial Day 2012

Happy Memorial Day

We should never forget what our soldiers have sacrificed for our freedom.  Every child can get the "Best Education Possible" because that is what makes this country GREAT! Have a wonderful day and never forget!

From: Best Education Possible

Debra E. West

Rock to Sleep

According to an article in the June 2012  issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, to sweeten your summer siesta, head for the hammock.  When scientist at the University of Geneva monitored the brain waves of nappers on two different days.  One experiment had the subjects sleeping in a stationary bed, the other as they rested in a bed that slowly swayed from side to side.  They found that rocking helped participants go from awake to fully asleep 3.5 minutes faster on average.  It also had a surprisingly powerful effect on brain waves, leading to more time spent in deep, restorative shut-eye. 

The reason:

The part of the brain that receives information on motion and balance is stimulated by a swinging motion, which may reinforce the types of waves characteristic of deeper sleep, say the authors.  And thanks to the sounder rest, hammock hours might boost performance and well-being while you're awake.

10 Tips For Parents

Most parents want to be the best parent they can possibly be. Getting the "Best Education Possible" is a large part of a parent's responsibility. Below are 10 suggestions from my book, A Parent's Handbook: How to Get the Best Education Possible for Your Child K-6 Grades:


1. Ensure your child is at school every day he/she can be there. Arrive on time. When children arrive late they miss important information and the teacher usually has a routine that gets the children ready for the day.

2. Be a good, positive, role model. Speak positively about school and the teacher. Make sure your child understands the importance of doing their best work. Remember your child is always watching you and will follow your lead.

3. Make sure your child gets 8-12 hours of sleep every night. When children are tired, they cannot learn new concepts or do their best work.

4. Make sure your child's clothes and self are neat and clean. Teeth and hair should be brushed daily. Children and teachers notice when a child is not physically managed well. It also helps a child's self-esteem to feel good about their appearance.

5. Turn the TV/Computer/Video Games off during the week and talk to your child. Listen to your child and show interest in what they say. Read together every evening and make it a habit.

6. Try to eat dinner at the same time every evening and discuss the day with your child. Studies show children who sit down and eat meals with family members do better in school.

7. Help your child feel loved with praise, hugs, and kisses. Never expect too much or too little from your child because it will result in frustration for you and your child.

8. Discipline when necessary. Be consistent. Always focus on the behavior not the child. Children are not "bad" they sometimes do "bad things". When you constantly make a child feel like they are "bad", they certainly will live up to your expectations.

9. Stay involved with your child's interest and know your child's friend. Monitor facebook, myspace, and other social networks. Make sure your child is aware of all the dangers and pitfalls that come with these sites.

10. Spend personal time and love and enjoy your child. They grow up so fast. Make sure your child is getting some physical exercise outside of school. Ride bikes, take walks, or play ball and build strong relationships with your child when they are young, and as they get older it will hopefully pay off.

Summer Reading

Summer Reading

Throughout the school year, your child's teacher has work extremely hard to improve reading readiness, fluency, and comprehension.  Over the summer, students that do not read will lose 10-20 words toward fluency from the ending of the school year.  Please make sure your child is reading at least 15-30 minutes a day for younger children and 30-60 minutes for older children.  Make sure they are reading on their independent reading level.  Another good summer reading idea is to get books that are 1 to 3 grade levels above your child's reading level and read it aloud every evening.  You should see a remarkable difference in all academic areas if these reading ideas are implemented over the summer.  Research show that children who read at home perform in the top 10% of their class and standardize testing.  So, make sure your child is reading this summer to meet academic success to be college and career ready for the future.

Tip #71: Help Your Child with School Changes and Changing Grades.

School is the definition of change. Each year students must get use to the next grade, new teacher, and different classmates. Stress really multiples when kids make the great leap from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school. Not only are the academics and extra personal responsibility more challenging, new middle-school students must learn to cope with puberty, peer pressure, and exposure to negative influence. That brings us to tip #71.

Tip #71: Help Your Child with School Changes and Changing Grades.

Through all these changes, big and small, your child will look to you for perspective, expectation, and advice. Here are some suggestions for helping your child with school changes according to Stephen C. George.

1. Nervous is normal - Let your child know it is normal to be nervous. Share a story about your own back-to-school jitters.

2. Get a conversation going - The last thing a kid wants is to hear a lecture, so look for opportunities to spark a conversation. Don worry about invading your child's privacy.

3. Don't do all the talking - Listen to the child once they open up to you. Help them think through the problem and let them solve it on their own if possible.

4. Tackle the touchy subjects - Talking about sex, drugs, and bullying with children is a tough job, but every parent has to when the time comes.

5. Get help - Sometimes, kids need someone else with the benefit of experience closer to their age. This is why many school districts have adopted buddy systems.

6. Say the "v" word - Every talk with your child is the opportunity to remind them of your values.

Tip #70: Get Involved in the Your Child's School.

Parents are a child's first and most influential teacher. Therefore, the schools should and must have a strong, positive, partnership with parents. That brings us to tip #70.


Tip #70: Get Involved in the Your Child's School.

From involving families in the first day of school, to the principals and teachers getting to know the parents (and making home visits when necessary), to hosting no fewer than 10 fun, informational family events throughout the year. I believe with the school and family friendly partnership, our schools will reach their full potential. I teach at a magnet school in Huntsville, Alabama, and I know that the key ingredent to the success of our program is a strong academic program, capable administrators and teachers, and strong parential involvement. We work as a family and the health and success of any family is that everyone is important and must be successful. We are only as strong as the weakest link. So, parents please, please, please get involved. To find out how to get involved purchase my book, "A Parent's Handbook: How to Get the Best Education For Your Child K-6. You'll be glad you did!

Tip #69: Make a Wellness Kit for the Winter Months at School.

With all the germs that are pasted around schools in the winter months, a school wellness kit is a good idea. That brings us to tip #69.

Tip #69: Make a Wellness Kit for the Winter Months at School.

Kids, especially adolescents, will have little complications such as hangnails or a lost contact lens can grow into a BIG DEAL! Sent your child to school with a wellness kit recommended by Dr. Kate Cronan, pediatrician and medical expert for http://www.kidhealth.org/ . Most everything will fit into a shaving bag or toiletry bag. Check with the school office for a list of exactly what is allowed with a child or in a locker.

Wellness Kit:

1. Hand sanitizer

2. Travel-pack of tissue
3. Lip balm
4. Throat lozenges

5. Breath mints

6. Band-Aids
7. Soft nail file
8. Travel-size deodorant

9. Nonperishable healthy snack (trail mix, protein bar, etc)

10. Sunscreen for field trips/recess

Boys and Their Bodies

Boys and Their Bodies

According to Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN medical correspondent, It is no secret that the impossibly thin fashion models glorified in magazines have made countless women and girls feel bad about their own bodies.  New research show that the muscle-bound hunks in TV and print ads can affect guys too.  Psychologist at the University of Central Florida studied 158 male college students, average age 21, and found that those who were shown TV commercials featuring fit, muscular, sometimes bare-chested men were more depressed and had more body dissatisfaction than students who watched neutral ads.  In fact, the latter group reported a decrease in depression after seeing the non-appearance-related ads.  Who says men and boys aren't sensitive?

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer? Teens: Part 2

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer?

Top tips on helping little ones learn how to recognize and be a good friend.
By GreatSchools Staff

Summer may be a child's idea of heaven — but it can also be a social minefield with kids starting new camps and summer internships. Whether you're raising a shrinking violet or a social butterfly, learn how you can help your younger child make friends.

Encourage to create courage

Faced with larger schools and moving between classrooms, your children may feel tentative in this new, fluid social scene. They may also be nervous about reaching out to other students. By encouraging them, you’re giving them the boost they may need to overcome their fears. When you see your kids doing something nice for a friend, make sure to mention it.

Friendship faux pas

You’ve told your children what makes a good friend — now’s it’s time to talk about what will stop a friendship in its tracks. Teach them not to brag, put others down, gossip, or judge people by their appearance. If you hear them doing any of these things, gently remind them what makes a good friend (and how it would feel to have this done to them). Older kids sometimes shelve their empathy, so it’s important to remind them the effect they can have on others.

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer? Older Children:Part 2

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer?

Top tips on helping little ones learn how to recognize and be a good friend.

By GreatSchools Staff

Summer may be a child's idea of heaven — but it can also be a social minefield with kids starting new camps and summer internships. Whether you're raising a shrinking violet or a social butterfly, learn how you can help your younger child make friends.

One "Hi" at a time

If your kids are especially shy, make a plan to help them get comfortable making new friends. Set small, daily goals — the first step might be to encourage them to smile and greet one or two new people each day. Once they've mastered this, up the ante a bit and have them add a conversation starter (such as a question about the other person's day or a compliment).

Just add drama

Since most social skills are learned by watching and imitating others, it makes sense to role-play the kinds of social situations that make your children uncomfortable or nervous. You might feel silly acting out an interaction between kids, but it really does help your children to practice in a safe place. Try several possible responses so that they understand there can be many outcomes to any interaction. If your children want to confront a friend who hurt their feelings, for instance, role-play an encounter where the other child apologizes, and another where the child continues to tease them. Talk about what the next step should be in each situation.

Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative

When you see your children making a kind gesture, make sure to praise them for it. “That was nice of you to give Joe another turn after he dropped the ball. That’s being a good friend.”

You’ve told your children what makes a good friend — now’s it’s time to talk about what will stop a friendship in its tracks. Teach them not to brag, put others down, be a sore loser, or hog conversations. If you hear them doing any of these things, gently remind them that a good friend doesn’t do that. Also ask your children how they think their friend responded. “How do you think that made him feel? Does it look like he’s happy?” It’s important for kids to understand the power they have on others, and this is a good way for yours to start.

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer? Older Children: Part 1

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer?

Top tips on helping little ones learn how to recognize and be a good friend.
By GreatSchools Staff

Summer may be a child's idea of heaven — but it can also be a social minefield with kids starting new camps and summer internships. Whether you're raising a shrinking violet or a social butterfly, learn how you can help your younger child make friends.

Beyond manners

The unstructured days of summer can be hard for kids who struggle socially. But with the right support, they can also be a blessing. Whether your children are having trouble with bullying or just feel left out of the playground social scene, summer can be a great opportunity to make new friends and build social confidence. All of which will help when they go back to school in the fall.

What’s this got to do with you? Well, kids learn friendship skills by watching other people, and parents are the first and most important role models. But strong social skills go beyond teaching basic manners, of course. They include things like having empathy, showing an interest in others, starting conversations, giving compliments, and taking turns.

Here are some simple steps to build on your kids' friendship skills:

What's a friend anyway?

Don’t assume your children know what being a good friend entails. Talk about taking turns, sharing, helping and showing an interest in others and how these will help peers and classmates feel good and want to spend time with them. If you see examples of others doing these things, point them out to your children. “See how that girl let her friend have a turn with the jump rope? That’s a nice thing to do for a friend.”

Mingle more

The more your children interact with others, the better they’ll get at it. And having them meet a wide variety of people in different situations will give them lots of opportunities to practice under different circumstances. Even if your family is planning to stay home this summer, make sure your kids get out to places where they'll meet other kids — for example, the playground, the public pool, or the library. If they’re going to camp or taking classes, encourage them to talk to new kids and strike up friendships.

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer? Younger Children: Part 2

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer?

Top tips on helping little ones learn how to recognize and be a good friend.
By GreatSchools Staff

Summer may be a child's idea of heaven — but it can also be a social minefield with kids starting new camps and summer internships. Whether you're raising a shrinking violet or a social butterfly, learn how you can help your younger child make friends.

One "Hi" at a time

If your kids are especially shy, make a plan to help them get comfortable making new friends. Set small, daily goals — the first step might be to encourage them to smile and greet one or two new people each day. Once they've mastered this, up the ante a bit and have them add a conversation starter (such as a question about the other person's day or a compliment).

Just add drama

Since most social skills are learned by watching and imitating others, it makes sense to role-play the kinds of social situations that make your children uncomfortable or nervous. You might feel silly acting out an interaction between kids, but it really does help your children to practice in a safe place. Try several possible responses so that they understand there can be many outcomes to any interaction. If your children want to confront a friend who hurt their feelings, for instance, role-play an encounter where the other child apologizes, and another where the child continues to tease them. Talk about what the next step should be in each situation.

Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative

When you see your children making a kind gesture, be sure to praise them for it. “That was nice of you to give Joe another turn after he dropped the ball. That’s being a good friend.”

You’ve told your children what makes a good friend — now it’s time to talk about what will stop a friendship in its tracks. Teach them not to brag, put others down, be a sore loser, or hog conversations. If you hear them doing any of these things, gently remind them that a good friend doesn’t do that. Also ask your children how they think their friend responded: “How do you think that made him feel? Does it look like he’s happy?” It’s important for kids to understand the power they have on others, and this is a good way for yours to start.

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer? Younger Children: Part 1

Will Your Child Make New Friends This Summer?

Top tips on helping little ones learn how to recognize and be a good friend.

By GreatSchools Staff

Summer may be a child's idea of heaven — but it can also be a social minefield with kids starting new camps and summer internships. Whether you're raising a shrinking violet or a social butterfly, learn how you can help your younger child make friends. 

Beyond manners

Whether summertime means languorous days at the beach or full-time camp, the months away from a regular routine offer kids a chance to boost a vital set of skills: Making and keeping strong friendships.

What’s that, you say? Don’t kids just know how to make friends? Not necessarily. Between school and after-school activities, children’s time is far more structured than in days past. As a result, kids today have fewer opportunities to practice the social skills needed for being — and making — a good friend.

Strong social skills include everything from having empathy and showing an interest in others to starting a conversation, giving compliments, and taking turns. And summer is the perfect time for youngsters to practice these skills and build their confidence in the process — all of which will help when they return to school in the fall.

Here are some simple steps to build on your kids' friendship skills:

What's a friend anyway?

Don’t assume your children know what being a good friend entails. Talk about taking turns, sharing, and showing an interest in others and how these actions will make peers and classmates feel good and want to spend time with them. Ask your kids how they feel when someone doesn’t share with them or makes them feel left out. By explaining how other children feel the same way, this will help them develop empathy.

Mingle more

The more your children interact with others, the better they’ll get at it. And having them meet a wide variety of people in different situations will let them practice under different circumstances. Even if your family is planning to stay home this summer, make sure your kids get out to places where they'll meet other kids — for example, the playground, the public pool, and children’s hour at the library. If they’re going to camp or taking classes, encourage them to talk to new kids and try to make friends.

Happy Mother's Day

All mothers desire their children to have the brightest, happiest, and most productive future possible.  Getting the "Best Education Possible" is the basic ingredient for a child to become college and career ready for the 21st Century that will help fulfill their true potential.  Stay informed and stay involved with your children's school and education.  Have a blessed Mother's Day! 

From: Best Education Possible, LLC

Debra E. West 

Tip #68: Monitor What Your Child is Watching on TV.

In the beginning, there was Howdy Doody and Bozo the Clown. Now, there is Big Bird, Nick, Disney, and Dora the Explorer, just to name a few. Doctors advocate "media literacy" Daniel McGinn, suggest making wise TV choices. That brings us to tip #68.


Tip #68: Monitor What Your Child is Watching on TV.

Some tips from the article, Guilt Free TV":

1. Set limits: Kid under 2 should be discouraged from watching TV. Older children should be rationed to 2 hours of daily TV, computer, and videogames.

2. Pull up a chair: Co-view with kids. Make sure the show is appropriate and encourage interaction with good messages. Talk about the show when it is over.

3. No TV in bedrooms: This leads to unsupervised viewing and a potential for overdose.

4. Use TV-book synergy: Kids programming from "Arthur" to "The Book of Pooh" often comes from books. After watching the show, read the book.

5. Focus, Focus, Focus: Observe children's behavior while watching TV. Their recall is amazing.

Summer Learning Loss: Part 4

Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions

By: Harris Cooper (2003)
Research on summer learning loss

Conclusion


In sum, what do we know? (1) It is clear that students do forget mathematics material over the summer, and poor children lose reading skills as well. (2) Extending the school year by a few days is a questionable intervention, but we should not rule out the possibility that substantial increases in the length of the school year coupled with corresponding curricula reform could have a positive impact on student learning. (3) Summer programs are an effective intervention for purposes of academic remediation, enrichment, or acceleration, and a knowledge base has accumulated that can help make the most of summer school. (4) Modified school calendars may have a small positive impact on student achievement and a more noticeable impact on the achievement of disadvantaged children, but the existing research contains design flaws that render conclusions tentative at best. Further, there are many variables that might influence the effect of calendar variations that are yet to be tested.

Summer Learning Loss: Part 3

Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions

By: Harris Cooper (2003)
Research on summer learning loss

Three remedies for summer learning loss

Three approaches to preventing summer learning loss are offered most often: extending the school year, providing summer school, and modifying the school calendar.

Extended School Year. Most of the arguments offered in support of an extended school year invoke international comparisons showing that the number of days American students spend in school lags behind most other industrialized nations. For example, the NCETL (1993) reported that most students in the United States spend between 175 and 180 days in school each year, while students in Japan spend 240 days in school.

Arguments against extending the school year generally question whether more time in school automatically translates into more time on task. For example, the National Education Association (1987) questioned whether additional time in school might simply lead to additional fatigue for students. Many argue that unless additional time is accompanied by changes in teaching strategy and curricula, the added time may be frittered away (Karweit, 1985). Related to this argument is the notion that adding, for example, 5 or 6 days to a school year represents only a 3% increase in school time. Hazleton and colleagues (1992), based on work by Karweit (1984), suggested that 35 extra days would be needed to produce a noticeable change in student achievement. Thus, given other options for spending education dollars, opponents ask whether money might not more effectively be spent on improving the quality of instruction or reducing class size.

Summer School. Summer learning loss also can be used to argue for increasing students' access to summer school. A research synthesis reported by Cooper et al. (2000) used both meta-analytic and narrative procedures to integrate the results of 93 evaluations of summer school. Results revealed that summer programs focusing on remedial, accelerated, or enriched learning had a positive impact on the knowledge and skills of participants. Although all students benefited from summer school, students from middle-class homes showed larger positive effects than students from disadvantaged homes. Remedial programs had larger effects when the program was relatively small and when instruction was individualized. As would be expected from the summer learning loss literature, remedial programs may have more positive effects on math than on reading. Requiring parent involvement also appeared related to more effective programs. Students at all grade levels benefited from remedial summer school, but students in the earliest grades and in secondary school may benefit most.

Modified Calendars. Finally, summer learning loss also could be used to argue for modifying the school calendar to do away with the long summer break. Many proponents of school calendar change call for modified arrangements in which children might or might not attend school for more days, but the long summer vacation is replaced by shorter cycles of attendance breaks.

A meta-analysis by Cooper et al. (in press) focused on studies of school districts that modified their calendars but did not increase the length of their school year. The most important finding of the synthesis was that the quality of evidence available on modified school calendars made it difficult to draw any reliable conclusions. Moreover, the evidence from the meta-analysis revealed ambiguous results. First, 62% of 58 districts reported that students in the modified calendar program outperformed students in the traditional calendar program. Second, the effect for 39 school districts favored modified calendars, but the size of the impact, though significant, was quite small. There was stronger evidence that (1) modified calendar programs do improve achievement for economically disadvantaged or poor-achieving students; (2) programs implemented more recently may be showing improved results; and (3) the students, parents, and staffs who participate in modified calendar programs are overwhelmingly positive about the experience. There are also specific actions that policy makers can take to improve community acceptance of modified calendars, such as involving the community in planning the program and providing high-quality intersession activities.

Summer Learning Loss: Part 2

Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions

By: Harris Cooper (2003)
Research on summer learning loss

A research synthesis conducted by Cooper et al. (1996) integrated 39 studies examining the effects of summer vacation on standardized achievement test scores. The 39 studies included 13 that could be included in a meta-analysis (a statistical integration) of the results. The meta-analysis indicated that summer learning loss equaled at least one month of instruction as measured by grade level equivalents on standardized test scores-on average, children's tests scores were at least one month lower when they returned to school in fall than scores were when students left in spring.

The meta-analysis also found differences in the effect of summer vacation on different skill areas. Summer loss was more pronounced for math facts and spelling than for other tested skill areas. The explanation of this result was based on the observation that both math computation and spelling skills involve the acquisition of factual and procedural knowledge, whereas other skill areas, especially math concepts, problem solving, and reading comprehension, are conceptually based. Findings in cognitive psychology suggest that without practice, facts and procedural skills are most susceptible to forgetting (e.g., Cooper & Sweller, 1987). Summer loss was more pronounced for math overall than for reading overall. The authors speculated that children's home environments might provide more opportunities to practice reading skills than to practice mathematics. Parents may be more attuned to the importance of reading, so they pay attention to keeping their children reading over summer.

In addition to the influence of subject area, the meta- analysis indicated that individual differences among students may also play a role. Among those examined in the studies used in the meta-analysis, neither gender, ethnicity, nor IQ appeared to have a consistent influence on summer learning loss. Family economics was also examined as an influence on what happens to children over summer. The meta-analysis revealed that all students, regardless of the resources in their home, lost roughly equal amounts of math skills over summer. However, substantial economic differences were found for reading. On some measures, middle-class children showed gains in reading achievement over summer, but disadvantaged children showed losses. Reading comprehension scores of both income groups declined, but the scores of disadvantaged students declined more. Again, the authors speculated that income differences could be related to differences in opportunities to practice and learn reading skills over summer, with more books and reading opportunities available for middle-class children (see also Alexander, Entwisle, & Olson, in press).

Summer Learning Loss: Part 1

Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions

By: Harris Cooper (2003)

In the early years of formal schooling in America, school calendars were designed to fit the needs of each particular community (Gold, 2002). Some communities had long summer breaks that released children from school in spring to help with planting and in fall to help with the harvest, while urban schools sometimes operated on 11- or 12-month schedules. By 1900, migration from the farm to the city and an increase in family mobility created a need to standardize the time children spent in school. The present 9-month calendar emerged when 85% of Americans were involved in agriculture and when climate control in school buildings was limited. Today, about 3% of Americans' livelihoods are tied to the agricultural cycle, and air-conditioning makes it possible for schools to provide comfortable learning environments year-round (Association of California School Administrators, 1988). Nevertheless, the 9-month school year remains the standard.

Concerns raised by the long summer vacation


In 1993, the National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECTL, 1993) urged school districts to develop school calendars that acknowledged differences in student learning and major changes taking place in American society. The report reflected a growing concern about school calendar issues, especially for students at risk for academic failure.

Educators and parents often voice three concerns about the possible negative impact of summer vacation on student learning. One concern is that children learn best when instruction is continuous. The long summer vacation breaks the rhythm of instruction, leads to forgetting, and requires a significant amount of review of material when students return to school in the fall. Also, the long summer break can have a greater negative effect on the learning of children with special educational needs. For example, children who speak a language at home other than English may have their English language skills set back by an extended period without practice, although there currently is little evidence related to this issue. Children with some disabilities may also profit from summer programs. While there is little evidence that a student's IQ is related to the impact of summer break (Cooper & Sweller, 1987), Sargent and Fidler (1987) provided some evidence that children with learning disabilities may need extra summer learning opportunities. Many states mandate extended-year programs for students with learning disabilities because they recognize these children's need for continuous instruction (Katsiyannis, 1991). And finally, tying summer vacation to equity issues, Jamar (1994) noted that "Higher SES students may return to school in the fall with a considerable educational advantage over their less advantaged peers as a result of either additional school-related learning, or lower levels of forgetting, over the summer months" (p. 1).

The Happiness Diet: Part 2

The Happiness Diet:

Part 2

According to an article on fitbie.msn.com, staying away from processed foods can have a positive effect on more than just your physical well-being

By Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D.

Watermelon

The red flesh of watermelon is bursting with the powerful antioxidant lycopene, much more so actually than the tomato. Lycopene protects our skin from the intense summer sun and kills cancer cells. Studies show you can boost the levels of this important nutrient by up to 40 percent (and beta-carotene by 150 percent) by letting it sit outside the refrigerator at room temperature for several days.

Chili Peppers

Neuroscientists recently found that the brain is loaded with receptors for capsaicin, which is currently being investigated for its ability to regulate inflammation by influencing the expression of DNA. We also know that our brains respond to the heat of capsaicin by releasing endorphins, natural compounds that are related to morphine and have a calming effect. Capsaicin destroys carcinogens in our food like dimethyl nitrosamine, a preservative in cured meats, and vinyl carbamate, a cancer-causing agent in many pesticides. And capsaicin has been shown to protect the brain during liver failure. (13 Spices That Help You Lose Weight)

When we eat spicy foods, we release the same endorphins as when we exercise. Just like runners report a post-workout high, chile-eaters talk about a soothing, euphoric response to eating extremely spicy food.

Garlic

Garlic is the star of a family of vegetables known as alliums that include onions, garlic, and leeks. Alliums promote healthy arteries and ensure proper blood flow to the brain. These savory vegetables relax your blood vessels, decreasing your blood pressure, which prevents small strokes in the brain, a major cause of depression and dementia later in life.

Alliums are a top source of a key trace mineral for happiness known as chromium. It's needed for a proper response to the hormone insulin, which helps ensure you're not storing too much sugar as fat. But more than that, it influences the uptake of tryptophan, the precursor to the important neurotransmitter serotonin. It also enhances the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Chromium supplementation is effective in treating some depressed patients who struggle with low energy and carbohydrate craving. The more sugar in your diet, the more chromium your kidneys excrete, making it harder for insulin to function. Alliums lower blood sugar, and while we don't know exactly why, it may have to do with their high chromium content. Not only that, but the new science shows that allicin in garlic breaks up arterial plaques, essentially reversing heart disease. Garlic also thins blood, further protecting us from heart attack and stroke.

However you slice it, by adding garlic, onions, scallions, or any of the alliums to your daily diet, you'll be protecting your brain, lowering your risk of heart disease, and protecting yourself from the most common forms of cancer (especially of the mouth, throat, colon, and breast).

The Happiness Diet: Part 1

The Happiness Diet:

Part 1

According to an article on fitbie.msn.com, staying away from processed foods can have a positive effect on more than just your physical well-being

By Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey, M.D.

Wild Salmon and Shrimp

You've likely heard that fish is brain food, but you’ve likely not heard how wonderful it is for addressing funky moods. (Related: 6 Supersmart Seafood Choices) When studies compare the mood disorders in different countries, populations that eat the most fish have the lowest rates of depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (the winter blues).

These fats also seem to play a role in aggression. Young boys with lower levels of omega-3s have more temper tantrums and difficulty falling asleep.

Omega-3s have also been studies as a treatment for a variety of brain-based disorders. A 2008 study found fish oil to have equal efficacy to Prozac in the treatment of depression. Eating omega-3s has also been shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression in more than 60 percent of pregnant women.

Cherry Tomatoes

The same compound that makes tomatoes red, lycopene, helps maintain mood by preventing the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds (Search: What are pro-inflammatory compounds?), like interleukin-6, that are associated with depression. This magical molecule is also known to protect against a vast number of cancers (including breast, prostate, and pancreatic). In a study of elderly nuns, those with the most lycopene in their blood lived on an average a whopping eleven years longer than their sisters with the lowest levels. Organic tomatoes have three times as much of this molecule as conventionally produced ones.

Tomatoes are high in other mood enhancers like folate and magnesium, both used to treat depression. They contain iron, tryptophan, and vitamin B6: the main ingredients needed by your brain to produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Add to this a high concentration of niacin, vitamin K, chromium, vitamin C, and potassium, and it makes sense that tomatoes protect us against choronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. One way these nutrients work is by lowering homocysteine in the blood, a risk factor for depression, heart attacks, and strokes.

Tomorrow will be 3 more tips on the Happiness Diet

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks: Part 5

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks

April 24th, 2012 by Staff Writers

According to an article from onlinecollegecourse.com, Khan Academy is host to more than 3,000 video lessons that touch on everything from humanities to test prep, but a particular strength of the site is its personal finance videos. Covering everything from the stock market to payday loans and estate taxes, the site has a lot to offer in the way of personal finance learning. Although some of these videos go over basic concepts, we're sure that personal finance geeks can truly enjoy the wealth of knowledge available from Khan. Here, we've hand-selected 25 of the most impressive personal finance lessons that Khan Academy has made available. Below are suggested lessons 21-25:

21.Estate Tax Basics
It's been said that nothing's for sure but death and taxes; this video combines the two. Watch Estate Tax Basics to get an overview of the inheritance tax, whether you're a recipient or saving for the future.

22.The Housing Price Conundrum
The housing market of 2000 to 2006 saw an astronomical rise in prices, but classical economics tells us that this never should have happened. The Housing Price Conundrum discusses how exactly housing prices reached the levels they did, despite going against the laws of supply and demand.

23.Housing Price Conundrum (part 2)
Building further on The Housing Price Conundrum, part 2 takes a look into how lower lending standards led to an inflation in housing prices.

24.Investment vs. Consumption
When you spend money, are you making an investment, or simply consuming? This video helps to explain the difference between the two types of spending.

25.Investment vs. Consumption (part 2)


For more information go to  http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/04/24/25-killer-khan-academy-videos-for-personal-finance-geeks/
Another video on the difference between investment and consumption, this one shares a few more examples of the two big ways to spend your money.

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks: Part 4

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks

April 24th, 2012 by Staff Writers

According to an article from onlinecollegecourses.com, Khan Academy is host to more than 3,000 video lessons that touch on everything from humanities to test prep, but a particular strength of the site is its personal finance videos. Covering everything from the stock market to payday loans and estate taxes, the site has a lot to offer in the way of personal finance learning. Although some of these videos go over basic concepts, we're sure that personal finance geeks can truly enjoy the wealth of knowledge available from Khan. Here, we've hand-selected 25 of the most impressive personal finance lessons that Khan Academy has made available.  Below are suggested lessons 16-20:

16.Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans can be a great financial tool for homeowners when used appropriately. This video shares a simple example of borrowing through a home equity loan, explaining how it is used to fuel consumption.

17.Renting vs. Buying a Home
Is it always smarter to buy a home than rent one? This video puts hard math to work to challenge that notion, and shows examples of situations where renting makes financial sense.

18.Renting vs. Buying a Home (Part 2)
The second in this series, this video builds upon part 1's idea that renting is a good idea in some situations, and takes things a step further by factoring appreciation and depreciation in the decision.

19.Renting vs. Buying (detailed analysis)
Yet another video on the financial impact of renting vs. buying a house, this video offers a detailed analysis of the big decision.

20.Basics of U.S. Income Tax Rate Schedule
So, how much of your money really goes to taxes? Check out this video to better understand how a marginal tax rate applies to your personal income.

For more information go to  http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/04/24/25-killer-khan-academy-videos-for-personal-finance-geeks/

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks:Part 3

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks

April 24th, 2012 by Staff Writers

Khan Academy is host to more than 3,000 video lessons that touch on everything from humanities to test prep, but a particular strength of the site is its personal finance videos. Covering everything from the stock market to payday loans and estate taxes, the site has a lot to offer in the way of personal finance learning. Although some of these videos go over basic concepts, we're sure that personal finance geeks can truly enjoy the wealth of knowledge available from Khan. Here, we've hand-selected 25 of the most impressive personal finance lessons that Khan Academy has made available.

11.Introduction to Interest
Interest rates are an important part of finance, impacting your money each time you make a loan, or give one, even in the form of a savings account. Check out Introduction to Interest to better understand this topic, and specifically learn about the difference between simple and compound interest.

12.Term and Whole Life Insurance Policies
If you're researching your options for life insurance policies, this video can help you determine whether you should get term, whole life, or a combination of the two different policies.

13.Term and Whole Life Insurance Policies 2
A continuation of the previous video, Term and Whole Life Insurance Policies 2 discusses what exactly happens when someone dies, and it's time for a cash payout on a whole life policy.

14.Term Life Insurance and Death Probability
One of the darkest subjects in personal finance, this video discusses your chances of dying as they relate to getting term life insurance.

15.Open-Ended Mutual Funds
If you're interested in starting an investment with open-ended mutual funds, this video can provide some education, sharing the basics you need to know about mutual funds.

For more information go to  http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/04/24/25-killer-khan-academy-videos-for-personal-finance-geeks/

25 Killer Khan Academy Video for Personal Finance Geeks: Part 2

25 Killer Khan Academy Videos for Personal Finance Geeks

April 24th, 2012 by Staff Writers

According to an article from onlinecollegecourse.com, Khan Academy is host to more than 3,000 video lessons that touch on everything from humanities to test prep, but a particular strength of the site is its personal finance videos. Covering everything from the stock market to payday loans and estate taxes, the site has a lot to offer in the way of personal finance learning. Although some of these videos go over basic concepts, we're sure that personal finance geeks can truly enjoy the wealth of knowledge available from Khan. Here, we've hand-selected 25 of the most impressive personal finance lessons that Khan Academy has made available.  Below are suggusted lessons 6-10.

6.Traditional IRAs

IRAs are a great way to save for your retirement, but there are two types of accounts: Traditional and Roth. This video explains how Traditional IRAs work.

7.Roth IRA

A partner to the previous video, watch this one to learn about the details of saving for retirement with an after-tax Roth IRA account.

8.401(k)s

Very similar to a Traditional IRA, 401(k)s are another vehicle for retirement savings and investment. Check out this video to understand how they compare to both types of IRAs.

9.Time Value of Money

We've all heard that time is money; this video explains just exactly how that works. Watch to understand why the timing of money is just as important as how much money you get.

10.Introduction to Mortgage Loans

Unless you're wealthy or frugal enough to buy a house with cash, chances are, you're going to have to take out a mortgage loan at some point. Before you do, watch this video to get a brief introduction and explanation of mortgage loans, including principal, interest, property taxes, and tax deductions.

For more information go to  http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/04/24/25-killer-khan-academy-videos-for-personal-finance-geeks/