State Advanced Placement Data Released
The number of Kentucky public high school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) examinations and scoring at high levels continues to rise according to data released from the College Board. Since 2004, the number of Kentucky public high school students taking AP examinations and scoring 3, 4 or 5 has risen.
The performance of ethnic groups in Kentucky's public schools also showed increases from 2005 to 2006. Since 2000, the number of non-white public school students taking one or more AP exams has nearly tripled.
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Based on their performance on rigorous AP exams, students can earn credit, advanced placement or both for college.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences present an excellent opportunity to find out how your child is adjusting to the new school year and to get to know his or her teachers. Here are some general hints from Family Education on how to have a successful conference:
* Ask your child if there is anything that he or she would like you to discuss with the teacher.
* Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.
* Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
* Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
* Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
* Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
* Keep your emotions under control.
* Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
* Express appreciation for the conference.
* Do not stay beyond your allotted time.
Student Computer and Internet Use Increases
Most students use computers and a majority use the Internet reports the National Center for Education Statistics in their annual statistical analysis report on “Computer and Internet Use by Students.” About 91 percent of children age 3 and over through grade 12 use computers and about 59 percent use the Internet.
According to the September 2006 report, use begins early. About two-thirds of children in nursery school, 80 percent of kindergartners use computers, and 97 percent of high school students do so. Private school students are more likely than public school students to use computers at home, but public school students are more likely to use computers and the Internet at school. Overall computer and Internet use rates for boys and girls are about the same.
http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006065
Family Day—Have Dinner Together on September 25
Studies show that the more often children and teens set down to eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use drugs. Frequent family dinners also help children and teens by lowering tension and stress at home, encouraging them to confide in their parents, and helping them to get better grades in school. Family Day—A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children is a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce substance abuse among children and teens.
http://www.casafamilyday.org/