WHAT WORKS IN EDUCATION The George Lucas Educational Foundation
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Blogs on Parental Involvement

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2
The Homework Trap
Kenneth Goldberg, Ph.D.May 15, 2012
Tags Homework, Mental Health, Parental Involvement, , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

As a clinical psychologist, I don't have strong opinions about whether or not homework should be given. I have doubts about its value, but I believe in deferring educational decisions to those who teach our kids. My concern is not homework, per se, but homework policy and its effects on some kids. I believe that anywhere from 10 percent to 25 percent of all children have such serious problems completing their assignments that, on balance, the overall effect of demanding that they comply does more harm than good. In speaking to countless parents and teachers, the feedback I get is nearly universal. Everyone has a homework horror story to tell.

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8
12 Reasons to Get Your School District Tweeting This Summer
Joe MazzaMay 8, 2012
Tags Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration

Everyone is on Twitter these days, so why not your school district? Twitter provides an easy platform to keep your followers updated -- moment by moment, if necessary! -- about developing situations, sudden brainstorms and calls to action. Following are 12 reasons to get your school district tweeting this summer so that you can hit the ground running at the start of the next school year.

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5
College Readiness Checklist for Parents
Jeff LivingstonMay 7, 2012
Tags Classroom Technology, College Readiness, Financial Literacy, Parental Involvement, , High (9-12), Math

As May begins, high school seniors are enjoying their final weeks in school before graduation. In just a few months, they will be stepping onto college campuses for the first time and entering a new chapter.

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1
Kids and Tech: Failure Might Be The Best Option
Matt LevinsonMay 3, 2012
Tags Bullying, Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, , , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8)

What parent wants their child to fail? Well, when it comes to the use of technology, failure might just be the best option.

In fact, failing early and often provides fertile ground to educate kids around responsible use. The question is how best to handle online transgressions -- and when or if to involve the school?

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6
Parents and Teachers: The Possibility of a Dream Team
Dr. Richard CurwinApril 27, 2012
Tags Parental Involvement, Teacher Development, All Grades

Ineffective communication between parents and teachers can be a major obstacle when trying to solve problems with students, but fortunately it can be improved. Let's first examine the two major causes of communication dysfunction.

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5
What Are You Teaching Today? Poetry That Inspires!
Lisa Michelle DabbsApril 19, 2012
Tags Arts Education, Curriculum, Integrated Studies, Parental Involvement, Primary (K-2), Project-Based Learning, , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts, Visual Arts

Reading poetry is inspirational! And teaching it can be even more so. If you haven't thought about using poetry in your daily work with students, I really want you to re-think that whole idea today.

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1
A Parent's Guide to Twitter and Education
Joe MazzaApril 18, 2012
Tags Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration, All Grades

As more and more people join the world of Twitter (460,000 signups per day), school parents and teachers are more commonplace on this global social media tool. According to a recent Pew Internet Study, 84% of all Twitter users are between the ages of 18-49. Why is this important to school officials? The age range includes the majority of our school parents.

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2
Connecting School and Home: 360-Degree Communication
Matt LevinsonApril 9, 2012
Tags Community Partnerships, Media Literacy, Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8)

"Parenting is not for the faint of heart," novelist Harlan Coben writes. Let's face it, parenting is really hard, especially when parents feel that "a vast and frightening Internet culture is hijacking their kids," as New York psychologist Ron Taffel notes.

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7
21st-Century Learning Creates New Roles for Students -- and Parents
Suzie BossApril 3, 2012
Tags Classroom Technology, Global Education, Parental Involvement, Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, All Grades

How do you remember the classrooms where you spent your formative years? If you're picturing a teacher writing on a chalkboard while kids sit in neat rows, it's time for a refresher course. Not only is that chalkboard a relic from yesteryear, but so are many of the old-school approaches to teaching and learning. Even parents are taking on new roles in today's changing classrooms.

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11
Neuroscience and the Bilingual Brain
Judy Willis MDMarch 22, 2012
Tags Brain Research, Comprehensive Assessment, English-Language Learners, Global Education, Parental Involvement, , English Language Arts, Math, World Language Learning

A selective attentive focus and the ability to block out distraction are seminal executive functions that are minimally developed in youngsters. These functions gradually become stronger throughout the years of prefrontal cortex maturation, which last into the twenties. It is with regard to these executive functions that research about the "bilingual brain" is particularly exciting.

A selective attentive focus and the ability to block out distraction are seminal executive functions that are minimally developed in youngsters. These functions gradually become stronger throughout the years of prefrontal cortex maturation, which last into the twenties. It is with regard to these executive functions that research about the "bilingual brain" is particularly exciting. Read More

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