School Test Results
Information released Aug. 11 indicates that 65.8 percent -- 766 -- of Kentucky's 1,187 public schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in the 2005-2006 school year under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. These results help provide parents with information about their school’s performance in reading and mathematics.
AYP results are based on the Kentucky Core Content Tests' (KCCT) items in reading and mathematics. Schools are required to have specific percentages of students reaching proficiency or above in reading and mathematics each year and to meet other criteria in order to make AYP. To see how your school performed, visit our No Child Left Behind Reports section on the Web.
Kids Safe Online
The second annual Kids Safe Online, a national Web cast, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006. The Web cast -- geared for 4th and 5th graders -- is held in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and will feature interactive skits to help children learn more about cyber security and how to be safe when using computers and the Internet. Click on National Web Cast Initiative at www.msisac.org.
To Work or Not to Work
Sooner or later, most parents will be faced with the question of whether their teenager should get a part-time job. Like many other questions in life, there is no single answer that fits every teenager and every situation. But here, from the ACT Parent newsletter, are some points to consider:
* Does your teen want to work or is it someone else’s idea? There’s a better chance of success if it’s your teen’s idea.
* How old is your child? State and federal laws regulate types of jobs and hours that can be worked by those younger than 18.
* What type of job is it? Is it safe? Will your teen learn from it? There are many benefits for students who work in moderation.
* Is your teen thinking of a weekend job or an after-school job? If it’s a weekend job, the primary issues are logistical—how to get to the job, arranging the job to match family plans, etc. A part-time job during the school week is a much bigger question.
* Does your child need the time to study? A job doesn’t necessarily put a teen’s learning at risk if the student can balance work with schoolwork and recreational time.
* Is your teen’s income a necessity or a luxury?
* Will your child have enough time for sports, hobbies and social activities? Students who work long hours often miss out on social and intellectual development gained from participation in school clubs and athletic teams.
* Does your teen understand the commitment needed and what it will mean to his or her other activities and free time? Make sure your teen knows your expectations regarding school performance and family obligations.
Work can be valuable for teens because it can help develop confidence, maturity and social skills. And, in some cases, it can help a student make decisions about future jobs. You can help make sure the amount of work is balanced with your child’s obligations to school and other responsibilities.